A record-breaking heatwave scorching the western United States this week would have been “virtually impossible” if not for the climate crisis, according to a rapid analysis by an international team of scientists. Temperatures in the region have soared up to 30F (17C) above the average for this time of year, affecting millions of people from the Pacific coast to the Rockies.
The study, by the World Weather Attribution consortium, found that the climate crisis, driven primarily by fossil fuel burning, has made such heatwaves four times more likely over the past decade. Even as recently as 2016, the current heatwave would have been milder, with temperatures about 1.4F (0.8C) cooler, the researchers said.
“These temperatures are completely off the scale for March,” said Ben Clarke, an extreme weather and climate change researcher at Imperial College London and co-author of the analysis. Friederike Otto, a climate science professor at Imperial College London, added: “These findings leave no room for doubt. Climate change is pushing weather into extremes that would have been unthinkable in a preindustrial world.”
The heatwave has been fuelled by an area of high pressure, shattering temperature records in 140 cities from California to Missouri, according to the Weather Channel. California, Nevada and Arizona remained under extreme heat warnings on Thursday, and further rises are forecast in the coming days. By the end of the week, 100 cities could set all-time March records, with temperatures climbing as high as 30F above average.
Heat is the deadliest form of extreme weather in the United States. Officials have warned of an increase in heat-related illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations, and advised people to stay hydrated and indoors when possible. The heat has also forced multiple ski resorts in California and the Tahoe area to close or reduce operations amid rapid snowmelt.
