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Halfway through the ‘danger season,’ extreme weather has impacted nearly all of America

“Summer or Danger Season? Extreme Weather Events Peak Across the U.S.”

The United States is currently in the midst of what scientists are now calling the “danger season,” a period from May to October when extreme weather events are peaking and likely to overlap due to the exacerbating influence of climate change. According to the nonprofit Union of Concerned Scientists, 99% of the country’s population has been affected by at least one extreme weather alert so far this season.

The data shows that only 79 counties across the U.S., home to just 1% of the population, have been left untouched by extreme weather alerts. These counties are primarily located in Alaska, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

The findings indicate a new reality for millions of Americans, as what was once a time of lazy afternoons, swimming pools, and backyard barbecues is now increasingly marked by calamity. The season has seen sizzling heat, smothering wildfire smoke, and dangerous floods across the country.

In California, the Park fire, fueled by overgrown vegetation amid record-breaking heat, has become the state’s fourth-largest wildfire on record at 429,263 acres. The state experienced its hottest month on record in July, with two days ranking as Earth’s hottest in the modern climate record.

The hazards have extended beyond California, with more than 60 million people under extreme weather alerts in the U.S. on Thursday. This includes Puerto Rico, which was under flood watches and warnings due to Hurricane Ernesto.

Extreme heat alerts have dominated the West Coast, East Texas, and parts of the Southeast, while fire weather alerts were prevalent in the Pacific Northwest and the Four Corners region. Flood alerts covered large areas, including parts of Texas affected by Hurricane Beryl and the East Coast hit by Tropical Storm Debby.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has reported 19 confirmed weather and climate disasters with individual losses exceeding $1 billion as of August 8, resulting in at least 149 deaths. The latest seasonal outlook from NOAA indicates that more hazards are likely in the coming months, with above-average temperatures projected for much of the country through October.

The impacts of extreme weather events may not be felt equally, with disadvantaged communities facing greater risks. Environmental groups are advocating for policy changes to address these challenges, including expanding FEMA’s definition of a “major disaster” to include extreme heat and wildfire smoke.

Despite the extreme conditions this summer, the trends are expected to persist in the coming years due to rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and fossil fuel emissions. However, taking action to reduce emissions and mitigate climate change remains crucial to preventing a worst-case scenario.

As the danger season continues, it is essential for individuals, communities, and policymakers to work together to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

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