Excessive heat scorches millions across US southwest
This video can not be played Watch: 'It's like an oven' - extreme heat in southern US An unrelenting heatwave is scorching south-western parts of the US with Arizona projected to see a record stretch of extreme hot weather. More than 115 million people are under some form of heat warnings, the National Weather Service (NWS) said. Phoenix has experienced 14 days of temperatures of at least 43C (110F) and is forecast to surpass its 18-day record of over 43C heat next Tuesday. Many other cities are expected to soar above 100F (38C). In a warning issued on Thursday, the NWS said the heatwave will also hit states like Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas and California. It expects "oppressive heat" of up to 115F (46C) in some parts of the Southern Plains. Forecasters say overnight temperatures are expected to remain "abnormally warm" at around 90F (32C) in some areas, offering little night-time relief from the heat. Officials have urged people to be cautious and limit time outdoors during peak sun hours, to stay hydrated and to not leave pets or children in locked vehicles. About 700 people are estimated to die each year from heat-related causes in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Las Vegas, Nevada, is projected to see a high of 117F (47C) on Sunday, which would be the city's all-time high for its hottest temperature on record, set in July 1942 and matched in July 2021. In El Paso, Texas, temperatures have been in the triple-digits Fahrenheit for 27 consecutive days, and the extreme heat is projected to continue. This has surpassed the city's record of 23 days of consecutive extreme heat, set in 1994. In Phoenix, cooling shelters have been opened for people who are homeless, while volunteers made wellness calls for seniors and those living on their own. The city has also given out thousands of water bottles as part of its heat relief programme. This video can not be played Watch: The heat index explained in 90 seconds The US heatwave comes amid similar high temperatures in Europe, where parts of Spain, France, Greece, Croatia and Turkey are expected to hit above 104F (40C). In Italy, there have been several reports of people, including tourists, collapsing as a result of the heat. At least one person has died. Last week, the global average temperature was 63F (17.23C), which is the highest ever recorded. Scientists say the temperatures are being driven by climate change and the naturally occurring weather pattern known as El Nino, which causes temperatures to rise and happens every three to seven years. The world has already warmed by about 1.1C since the industrial era began and temperatures will keep rising unless governments around the world make steep cuts to emissions. Deadly heatwave sweeps across southern Europe World records hottest day for third time in a week Race against time to save Morocco quake survivors US denies Cold War with China in historic Vietnam visit How Russia and West agreed on Ukraine G20 language How Russia and West agreed on Ukraine G20 language US denies Cold War with China in historic Vietnam visit 'Everyone in this village is either dead or missing' At the scene of Morocco mosque collapsed by quake. Video At the scene of Morocco mosque collapsed by quake Inside the horror of Europe's biggest wildfire Inside a 'hijacked' South African building. Video Inside a 'hijacked' South African building How chronic pain feels for me. Video How chronic pain feels for me The rise and fall of a parenting influencer Guyana scrambles to make the most of oil wealth Florida's first hurricane-proof town The greatest spy novel ever written? Why is everyone crazy about Aperol? 2023 BBC.