Extreme heatwaves in the United States

So far this year, intense heatwaves have been pummeling parts of the United States, and they are expected to spread to more areas soon. As ABC News on Sunday, 9 August 2026 reports, “Several major cities—including Las Vegas, Denver and Albuquerque—are expected to see 100-degree temperatures on Sunday, while parts of Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma are expected to bake in the high 90s, with 100-degree heat or higher possible in Oklahoma City.” The article contends that areas of the US East Coast will continue to be hot, “Meanwhile, much of the East Coast will remain hot and humid on Sunday, with heat indices, which factor in humidity, making it feel like 93 in New York City and 95 in Providence, Rhode Island.”

So far, the most destructive consequence of this year’s heatwaves in the United States is the wildfires in Spokane, a city in Washington State, in the country’s northwest. According to Fox13 News, in Seattle, on 11 August 2026, “Gov. Bob Ferguson announced a new emergency declaration to help victims and businesses affected by eastern Washington wildfires as firefighters battle blazes that have destroyed at least 900 structures…Wildfires across eastern Washington have burned thousands of acres and destroyed at least 900 homes, businesses and other structures since Aug.1. “‘A wildfire coordinator working in the area is quoted as saying, “‘This is probably the most extreme weather event I’ve ever witnessed or been a part of…those conditions are untenable, there is nothing that a human is going to do to change that.'”