Climate Impact Report – 9/18

September 18, 2024

Key Facts Of The Day 9/18

A storm that will form next week in the zone from the western Caribbean to the Gulf of Mexico may be the next major threat for landfall in the U.S.
On Monday, more than 20 inches of rain fell by early afternoon in North Carolina, qualifying the event as a 1,000-year rain event.
- Carolina Beach registered 20.81 inches, while Southport received 17 to 19 inches.
- Fire crews in Wilmington conducted 29 adults, two children, five dogs, and three cats high-water rescues.

As of Wednesday, 79 large active wildfires have burned 1,546,085 acres across AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, and WY. This year, to date, 37,133 wildfires have burned 7,303,867 acres across the country.
In Arizona, 4 fires have burned 32,019 acres as of Wednesday.
In California, 8 fires have burned 578,023 acres as of Wednesday.
In Nevada, 2 fires have burned 14,056 acres as of Wednesday.
In Oregon, 17 fires have burned 344,682 acres as of Wednesday.
In Washington, 5 fires had burned 55,621 acres as of Wednesday.

Extreme heat creates drier conditions that fuel fires and also dangerous environments for firefighters.
- Extreme heat increases the chances that firefighters can suffer heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
- As wildland firefighters face longer seasons, they may also face additional health risks down the line.
- Wildland firefighters face smoke exposure because there are currently no respirators that are light and comfortable enough for long-term wear in wildfire conditions and that are certified for use.
- High heat also makes skin more absorbent and it becomes easier for toxic substances or chemicals to penetrate, potentially increasing the risk of cancer.
A man died while working on a farm in Oxnard, California, during a heat wave.