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Washington Post
a day ago
- Climate
- Washington Post
For Eastern US, temperatures swing high, then swing low. They'll soon go back up
After days of blistering heat, the nation's sweaty East Coast got to open windows, step outside and get temporary relief on Friday as temperatures plummeted as much as 40 degrees and humidity dropped alongside. At least 68 record highs were set and more than 20 places logged triple-digit heat from Sunday through Wednesday before a cold front from the north broke a heat dome's grip on the region Friday. Boston, which hit a record 102 Fahrenheit (about 39 Celsius) on Tuesday, was at 61 (about 16 Celsius) on Friday.
The Independent
a day ago
- Climate
- The Independent
For Eastern US, temperatures swing high, then swing low. They'll soon go back up
After days of blistering heat, the nation's sweaty East Coast got to open windows, step outside and get temporary relief on Friday as temperatures plummeted as much as 40 degrees and humidity dropped alongside. At least 68 record highs were set and more than 20 places logged triple-digit heat from Sunday through Wednesday before a cold front from the north broke a heat dome's grip on the region Friday. Boston, which hit a record 102 Fahrenheit (about 39 Celsius) on Tuesday, was at 61 (about 16 Celsius) on Friday. That blast of cool comfort brought temperatures as much as 10 to 15 degrees below normal but didn't come close to breaking cold records, said Frank Pereira, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service 's Weather Prediction Center. About the only place that could break a cool record of any kind Friday is one tiny station in Philadelphia, at the Franklin Institute, where the lowest recorded high for the day is 75 (about 24 Celsius). It was expected to get up to only about 72 (about 22 Celsius), Pereira said. But records don't go back very far at that site and meteorologists in Philadelphia don't consider it representative of the area, which is unlikely to get a record for cool, said meteorologist Ray Martin in the local weather forecast office in Mount Holly, New Jersey. That's what's so telling about this weather whiplash from hot to cool — and soon to go back to hot — said Climate Central chief meteorologist Bernadette Woods Placky. 'We've had so many record highs, not only our daytime maximum temperatures, but our overnight low temperatures throughout a widespread region of the country, so this massive shift feels great and it's giving everyone a break, which is nice,' Woods Placky said. 'But it's not necessarily coming with record lows on the other side.' That's a signature of human-caused climate change from the burning of fossil fuels, she said: 'We're getting so many record highs any more that it doesn't feel like it's big news because it's happening so often. But we just don't get as many record lows as frequently.' Climate Central's record tracker shows 68 high temperature marks set since Sunday and only three low ones: Billings, Montana; Casper, Wyoming; and Jackson, Idaho — all recorded on Sunday. For the first five months of this year, there have been nearly twice as many daily high records — 14,863 — set in the United States as low records — 7,855 — according to records compiled by meteorologist Guy Walton, who tracks NWS records. For the 2020s as a whole it's well over double with 221,971 daily high records set and 93,429 daily low records set. Except for the Dust Bowl era — which the ratio of highs to lows still don't come close to doubling — the number of record daily highs and lows were within 20% of each other from the 1920s to the 1980s, but since then the ratio of record heat to record cold has taken off. This Eastern cooling won't last, the weather service's Pereira said. Soon the heat will be back and temperatures in the East will once again be above normal, even for summer. But, he said, 'We're not looking at temperatures that are as oppressive as they were earlier in the week.' Weather whiplash from one extreme to another is often a sign of human-caused climate change because the jet stream — the river of air high above us that moves weather systems along generally from west to east — is weakening, getting wavier and getting stuck more because of global warming, Woods Placky and other scientists said. When that happens, it means more extremes such as a heat wave or a drought or downpours. And then when the stuck jet stream moves on, it sometimes results in opposite extreme weather. ___ Isabella O'Malley contributed from Philadelphia. ___ The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
News24
a day ago
- Health
- News24
Boost your immunity with this essential winter health guide
With plummeting temperatures and an intense cold front across the country, comes soup mixes on the shelves, heaters and hot water bottles. It also ushers in flu season and let's be honest, no one wants to spend any time sniffling under a mountain of tissues. So, how do you stay ahead of getting the common cold? Dr Jessica Voerman, the chief clinical officer at SHI Healthcare, offers some practical, doctor-approved (but jargon-free) tips to keep you and your family feeling great all winter long. 1. Don't skip the flu shot The flu vaccine is the first and most important step to power up against flu this season. Dr Jessica says, 'It's your body's best defence against the influenza virus, reducing the chance of getting seriously ill and protecting those in vulnerable groups. Think of it like a winter jacket for your immune system - protective, smart, and something you'll be glad you didn't forget. It's safe, effective and widely available. Most pharmacies and clinics even offer walk-ins! 'It's best to get your flu shot before the season starts, but if you haven't yet, it's not too late. Getting vaccinated now can still help protect you and those around you. Some people are more likely to get very sick from the flu and we would strongly recommend they get vaccinated, including pregnant women, young children, older adults, and those with ongoing health issues like diabetes, lung or heart problems. If you work in healthcare, getting vaccinated not only protects you but helps protect your patients, especially those who are more at risk.' 2. Know the red flags Not every cough means trouble, but some flu symptoms should get your attention. Dr Jessica recommends keeping an eye out for: High fever (especially over 38°C) Difficulty or very fast breathing Chest pain Persistent vomiting Sudden dizziness Fatigue that keeps you in bed for days 'If you or someone you love has these, don't 'wait it out.' A quick check-in with a healthcare provider can make all the difference.' 3. Antibiotics aren't a cure-all Here's a winter myth we need to bust: antibiotics don't work on viruses and that includes the flu and common cold. Taking them when you don't need them doesn't just waste time it can also lead to antibiotic resistance. That means those meds might not work when you really need them in the future. Let your doctor decide if antibiotics are the right move. 4. Virtual care to the rescue If bundling up and heading out to the GP's rooms office sounds less than appealing, virtual healthcare is a game-changer. With telehealth services, you can speak to a doctor, get medical advice, sick notes and even have prescriptions sent to your pharmacy all from the comfort of your couch. Whether you're dealing with a lingering cough, a sudden fever, or just want to check if your symptoms are something to worry about, virtual care makes it easy and convenient to get support. Many services are available 24/7, so you don't have to wait until morning to get answers. It's a simple, stress-free way to stay on top of your health without braving the elements. 5. Keep up the basics You've heard it before, but we'll say it again: wash your hands, drink plenty of water, and get some sleep. These are your day-to-day defences that add up over time. Oh, and try not to share your snacks with someone who's actively sneezing. Winter wellness isn't just about avoiding the flu, it's about knowing your options, recognising when to seek help, and using the tools available to you, like virtual care. So take care of yourself, stay cosy, and let's make this winter a healthy and warm one for all.
News24
3 days ago
- Climate
- News24
Mop-up operations under way after heavy rain in Western Cape
The cold front has brought heavy rains which lead to flooding in parts of the Western Cape. Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Show Comments ()
News24
3 days ago
- Climate
- News24
Homes, roads flooded as heavy rain persists in Western Cape
10m ago Snow, strong winds expected for already weather-battered Eastern Cape A cold front, which has resulted in icy and wet conditions in the Western Cape, will likely bring strong winds and snowfall to the weather-battered Eastern Cape. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned that the cold front will pass through the Eastern Cape on Thursday.
