Las Vegas has set a new heat record with five consecutive days above 115°F (46°C), surpassing the previous mark set in 2005. The city hit an all-time high of 120°F (48.8°C) on Sunday, making this the most extreme heatwave since records began in 1937.
Residents are adjusting their routines to avoid the blistering daytime heat, with health officials warning of serious risks from prolonged exposure. Emergency cooling centers have been set up, especially for vulnerable groups like the homeless, while firefighters are using innovative “polar pods” to aid heat-stricken patients.
The heatwave isn’t limited to Las Vegas; cities across the western US, including Phoenix and Reno, have also seen record temperatures. California and Oregon are grappling with wildfires exacerbated by the dry conditions and high temperatures. In the east, places like Philadelphia and New Jersey are experiencing their own heatwave, with temperatures around 90°F (32°C).
Globally, June marked the 13th straight month of above-average temperatures, driven by human-induced climate change. The National Weather Service has extended heat warnings for the southwest US, underscoring the need for climate resilience amid escalating environmental challenges.