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A significant and hazardous heatwave is currently intensifying across a vast expanse of the United States. Weather forecasters predict that this severe meteorological event will bring extremely high daytime temperatures, oppressive humidity, and uncomfortable overnight conditions, particularly as Americans prepare for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Initially, approximately 120 million people nationwide were under an extreme heat warning. However, projections indicate that as the week progresses, this figure is expected to rise significantly, with around 250 million individuals potentially exposed to dangerously high levels of heat. The National Weather Service attributes this intense heat to a phenomenon known as a ‘heat dome,’ which effectively traps hot air over a specific region, preventing it from dissipating.

This heatwave is forecast to reach its peak in the Midwest and Mississippi Valley by Thursday. Subsequently, it will migrate eastward, impacting the Ohio Valley and the entire East Coast throughout Thursday and extending into the holiday weekend. Temperatures are projected to range from 35 to 40.5 degrees Celsius (95 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit). Critically, when these high temperatures combine with elevated humidity, the ‘heat index’ – a measure of how hot it actually feels to the human body – could soar to between 37.7 and 46 degrees Celsius (100 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit). Officials have issued warnings that daily temperature records are highly likely to be surpassed, and some areas may even experience monthly or all-time records being broken.

In response to these dire warnings, local authorities are advising residents in affected regions to limit outdoor activities, maintain proper hydration, and seek access to air conditioning or designated cooling centres. For instance, New York City’s Mayor has activated an emergency plan, resulting in the opening of hundreds of cooling facilities across the metropolis. Similarly, in Detroit, Michigan, numerous recreation centres have been made available for residents seeking respite from the extreme heat.

This current US heatwave follows a period of unprecedented early summer heat across Europe, where numerous temperature records were broken and over 1,300 deaths were attributed to the conditions. Canada is also grappling with its own significant heatwave, with temperatures in Ontario reaching up to 37 degrees Celsius. Even major sporting events are being affected, with concerns that some World Cup matches, such as England versus DR Congo in Atlanta, Georgia, could face heat indexes exceeding the safety threshold set by the global players’ union, Fifpro, making conditions unsafe for play. Philadelphia, for example, is moving parts of its FIFA World Cup Fan Festival into cooled tents to protect attendees.

1. What is the main purpose of this article?

• A.To explain the scientific reasons behind heat domes.
• B.To inform readers about a dangerous heatwave in the US and its broader context.
• C.To criticise authorities for not preparing adequately for extreme weather.
• D.To provide a detailed guide on how to stay safe during a heatwave.

2. According to the article, what is the ‘heat index’?

• A.The actual air temperature measured in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
• B.A measure of how high the humidity is in a particular area.
• C.How hot it feels to the human body when humidity is considered.
• D.The highest temperature ever recorded in a specific region.

3. Which of the following is NOT a recommended action by local authorities during the heatwave?

• A.Participating in outdoor sporting events to stay active.
• B.Limiting time spent outdoors during the day.
• C.Ensuring access to air conditioning.
• D.Staying well-hydrated throughout the day.

4. What can be inferred about the current global weather patterns from the information provided?

• A.Extreme heat events are decreasing in frequency worldwide.
• B.Only the United States is currently experiencing severe heatwaves.
• C.The heatwave in the US is an isolated incident with no global parallels.
• D.Many regions globally are experiencing unusually high temperatures and extreme weather.

5. The word ‘unprecedented’ in paragraph five is closest in meaning to:

• A.Predicted
• B.Never seen before
• C.Common
• D.Mild