As a long-running heat wave continues to scorch the United States, roughly 130 million people find themselves under threat from dangerously high temperatures. The heat wave has already shattered numerous records and is expected to break even more, stretching from the East Coast to the West Coast, according to forecasters.

Jacob Asherman, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, warned that oppressive heat and humidity could push temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (about 38 degrees Celsius) in parts of the Pacific Northwest, the Mid-Atlantic, and the Northeast. Cities in Oregon, including Eugene, Portland, and Salem, are at risk of breaking previous temperature records as the heat wave persists.

The intense heat has prompted millions of people to seek relief in cooling centers scattered across the affected regions, from Bullhead City, Arizona, to Norfolk, Virginia. Jacob Asherman described the ongoing heat wave as a "pretty anomalous event" that is expected to persist through at least midweek.

The impact of the scorching temperatures was evident during the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, Oregon, where festival-goers coped with the heat by seeking shade, drinking cold water, and using water misters to stay cool. Angela Quiroz, 31, emphasized the stark contrast between the sunshine and shade, stating that being in the sun felt like being "cooked."

In Death Valley, California, one of the hottest places on Earth, a new heat record was set on Friday. The temperature soared to 127 degrees Fahrenheit (52.8 degrees Celsius), surpassing the previous high of 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius) set in 2013. Even more extreme highs are anticipated, with temperatures expected to reach 129 degrees Fahrenheit (53.8 degrees Celsius) on Sunday and hover around 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54.4 degrees Celsius) through Wednesday.

While Death Valley holds the record for the hottest temperature ever officially recorded on Earth, with 134 degrees Fahrenheit (56.67 degrees Celsius) in July 1913, some experts dispute this measurement and argue that the true record stands at 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54.4 degrees Celsius), recorded in July 2021.

Other regions in the western and mid-Atlantic parts of the United States are bracing for similarly scorching temperatures, with the National Weather Service projecting triple-digit temperatures significantly above average in the coming week. The Eastern U.S., including Baltimore and parts of Maryland, is under an excessive heat warning, with heat index values expected to climb to 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius).

As the heat wave persists, concerns for public safety continue to rise. Tragically, heat-related deaths have already begun to mount. In Maricopa County, Arizona, which encompasses Phoenix, at least 13 confirmed heat-related deaths have occurred this year, with over 160 additional suspected cases still under investigation. Furthermore, a 10-year-old boy in Phoenix died earlier this week due to a "heat-related medical event" while hiking with his family at South Mountain Park and Preserve.

Authorities and organizations are urging everyone to take precautions during this extreme weather event. Recommendations include staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned spaces, avoiding direct sunlight, and regularly checking on vulnerable individuals such as children and the elderly.

The record-breaking heat wave serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its potentially devastating consequences. As the world grapples with more frequent and intense extreme weather events, it is crucial to prioritize strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change and safeguard the well-being of communities across the globe.