100-degree days for weeks? See where streaks have broken records.
The heat wave plaguing the southern United States is expected to stretch into early next week, with temperatures persisting well above 100 degrees throughout much of Texas, Florida and Southern California. As of Wednesday, residents in El Paso, had experienced a record-breaking 27 consecutive days of 100-plus-degree heat, surpassing the 21-day streak in 1980, according to the Southeast Regional Climate Center. A coast-to-coast heat dome has caused record-breaking temperatures in places like Las Vegas and Death Valley, but the persistence of these temperatures makes this period of extreme heat particularly notable. What extreme heat does to the human body The southern United States has seen some locations with more than two weeks of 100-plus-degree maximum temperatures, with record-breaking streaks in Roswell, N.M., and Midland, Tex. The median duration of a record-breaking streak in 2023 14 days is the longest in almost 90 years. This year has seen more than 90 days with maximum temperatures exceeding 100 degrees at weather stations across the continental United States, with ongoing streaks expected to continue into next week. The heat wave adds to extreme weather events across the globe that are expected to intensify in coming years due to worsening climate change . Our warming climate: In the Eastern U.S., the record-breaking heat wave is reaching is peaking. July was Earths hottest month , and heres where the worst, record-setting heat occurred . Use our tracker to see your citys extreme heat risk . Take a look at what extreme heat does to the human body . How to stay safe: Its better to prepare for extreme heat before youre in it. Heres our guide to bracing for a heat wave , tips for staying cool even if you dont have air conditioning , and what to know about animal safety during extreme heat . Traveling during a heat wave isnt ideal, but heres what to do if you are . Understanding the science: Sprawling zones of high pressure called heat domes fuel heat waves. Heres how they work . You can also read more about the link between weather disasters and climate change , and how leaders in the U.S. and Europe are responding to heat .