Heat Wave to Wash Over Western US, Wildfire Warnings Increase

A midsummer heat wave that has impacted Canada and parts of the US is expected to hit the western portion of America, increasing the risk of increasing deadly wildfires, CNN reports.

According to USA TODAY, 18 states, from New Mexico to Michigan, are experiencing heat advisories, warnings, and watches. Temperatures are expected to hit 100 in the Great Plains, with residents of major cities like Chicago and St Louis at high risk for heat-related injuries and deaths.

What’s causing the unbearable heat?

The Weather Channel credits “a strong upper-level ridge of high pressure, sometimes known as a ‘heat dome,’ which will park itself over much of the U.S. by the weekend.”

The National Weather Service warns that the “largest temperature anomalies” are expected from the Northern Rockies to the Northern Plains, with high temperatures potentially reaching 15 degrees above average.

As temperatures continue to climb across the nation, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to prevent sun and heat related injuries.

ABC News gives a few tips for beating the heat, including wearing sunscreen, staying hydrated with water (sugary drinks and alcohol can actually reduce your hydration levels), limiting your time outside, and monitoring those who are at a higher risk of heat stroke and exhaustion (babies, the elderly, and the sick).

Remember that pets can also face heat exhaustion and should be kept inside as much as possible with access to water.

Symptoms of heat stroke include hot skin, nausea and dizziness, headache, passing out, and no longer sweating.