The heat wave in the Northwest has caused record-high temperatures, shattering records by more than 10 degrees in some places as Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, and places further inland are struggling. [Axios / Andrew Freedman]
- At least six deaths in Washington and Oregon have been linked to the heat wave, which has also caused a significant increase in emergency services visits for heat-related reasons. [NPR / Jaclyn Diaz]
- In King County, where Seattle is located, 91 people sought out emergency services for heat-related problems — shattering the previous record of nine. [CNN / Angela Fritz, Carma Hassan, and Brisa Colon]
- Among the chief concerns in the Pacific Northwest is a population not used to severe heat and often lacking air conditioning. The average high temperature in Portland at this time of year is 73 degrees — on Monday, it was 115. [NYT / Neil Vigdor]
- According to the National Weather Service, heat waves are the deadliest weather phenomenon, on average, over the past 30 years. The current heat wave is being caused by a heat dome, in which a sinking column of air traps heat and gives the sun unobstructed access to the ground. [Vox / Umair Irfan]
- President Joe Biden met virtually with western-state governors today to discuss the heat and the potential for a devastating wildfire season. He said the region is underresourced and would require quick action. [CNBC / Emma Newburger]
- Climate change is making the frequency of these heat events more likely, as global temperatures rise. [Atlantic / Robinson Meyer]