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Heatwave scorching US west ‘virtually impossible’ without climate crisis, say scientists
Unseasonably warm and even dangerous temperatures this week were up to 30F above average for the time of year
TL;DR
- The current heatwave in the US West was "virtually impossible" without the climate crisis.
- Temperatures have been up to 30F above average for the time of year, affecting millions from the Pacific coast to the Rockies.
- The climate crisis has made this type of heatwave four times more likely to occur in the last decade.
- Even as recently as 2016, the current heatwave would have been about 1.4F cooler.
- The heat dome has shattered temperature records in 140 cities.
- More heat is expected, with 100 cities potentially setting all-time March temperature records.
- Heat is the deadliest form of extreme weather in the US, raising concerns about heat-related illnesses.
- The heat has impacted local economies, leading to ski resort closures.
- Scientists emphasize that the threat of climate change is present and worsening.