A warning has been issued to people venturing near rivers during an upcoming heat wave that is set to affect California, Arizona and Nevada this week.
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Although temperatures are expected to surpass 100 degrees Fahrenheit by Wednesday and Thursday, the National Weather Service Sacramento has warned that rivers will still be extremely cold and fast-flowing, posing a danger to even the most experienced swimmers.
In a post on X, the organization wrote: "The air is going to be HOT this week, but rivers are still running COLD & FAST due to snowmelt. Many points in local waterways are still less than 60 °F, which is cold enough to impact breathing & muscle control, even for experienced swimmers. Practice cold water safety!"
Most California rivers are fed by snowmelt, which means they run cold even in the summer. Sudden immersion in cold water can lead to shock and trigger cardiac arrest and temporary paralysis, causing hypothermia or drowning.
Cold water entering the ear canal can also lead to disorientation and confusion, causing swimmers to venture deeper into the water. When faced with swift water, even the strongest swimmers can easily become overwhelmed.
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Despite the dangerous conditions, the higher-than-usual temperatures may still tempt swimmers into the water. Forecasters say a "heat dome" will hit large swathes of the country this week, with areas of California's Sacramento Valley set to exceed 110 degrees by midweek.
A heat dome is a weather phenomenon where a ridge of high pressure gets stuck in the atmosphere. It traps hot ocean air like a lid on a boiling pot, which leads to extreme temperatures.
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for California's Central Valley and Solano County from Tuesday to Thursday. A heat advisory has also been issued for the inland regions of the Bay Area.
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Areas of Texas are also expected to experience above-average temperatures, from Austin to San Antonio. In Arizona, the mercury in Phoenix is expected to reach 110 degrees for the first time this season.
Weather experts have warned against leaving children and animals in cars, highlighting that the temperature in a vehicle can become lethal within minutes.
The California Environmental Protection Agency has also urged people to take extra precautions and stay inside in air-conditioned spaces when possible.
Writing on social media, the agency warned, "Extreme heat is an invisible but dangerous consequence of climate change, and California's outdoor workers, seniors and children are particularly vulnerable."
In 2022, more than 1,700 people in the U.S. died from heat-related causes, setting a new record.
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