From coast to coast, the United States is currently battling a severe and multi-front war against extreme weather. Raging wildfires are scorching the West, a dangerous and oppressive heat wave is baking the South, and thick smoke from Canadian fires is choking the Midwest. At the same time, millions are facing threats of severe storms and flash flooding, painting a picture of a nation under siege by the elements.
🔥 Raging Wildfires Scorch the West
Firefighters across the western US are working tirelessly to contain multiple large-scale blazes.
- Arizona: The “Dragon Bravo” megafire at the Grand Canyon has now been burning for nearly a month and has grown to over 100,000 acres. Officials report that this is the driest the area has been since record-keeping began in 1960, with the fire burning so hot it is creating its own erratic weather system.
- Utah: The Monroe Canyon fire is growing so rapidly that the governor has declared a state of emergency, with officials admitting the odds of extinguishing it soon are “pretty low.”
- California: In central California, the Gifford fire has forced new evacuation orders. However, there is some good news, as old burn scars from a previous fire are helping firefighters gain the upper hand.
🌡️ Oppressive Heat and Dangerous Floods in the South
The southern half of the country is facing a dual threat of extreme heat and water. Over 13 million people across the Southwest, Texas, and Southern Florida are under heat alerts, with temperatures in Phoenix, Arizona, expected to climb as high as 115 degrees. Meanwhile, the region is also dealing with flooding. In Alabama, one driver was caught on camera making a daring escape after their car became half-submerged in a flooded parking lot.
💨 Canadian Smoke Chokes the Midwest
The upper Midwest continues to suffer from poor air quality due to wildfire smoke drifting down from Canada. In Chicago, the iconic skyline has been rendered barely recognizable by the thick haze. The smoke is also impacting major events, with attendees at the Lollapalooza music festival reporting that the combination of fireworks and poor air quality was causing their “lungs to hurt.”
🌪️ Forecast: Severe Storms Ahead
The dangerous weather is expected to continue. As of Sunday, a slight risk for severe storms exists in the Plains, which could produce destructive wind gusts up to 80 miles per hour, damaging hail, and possible tornadoes. Additionally, flood watches are in effect for approximately 2 million people across the Southeast.
