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Extreme Heat

In Southern California and throughout the world, heat waves are becoming more frequent and more extreme — a trend largely attributed to climate change. Here's how dangerously high temperatures contribute to an extended wildfire season in California and create new health threats.

The sun rises behind the Cholla Cactus garden in Joshua Tree National Park
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Some 107 million Americans will experience heat index temperatures above 125 degrees F by 2053, according to a new report.
A boy on an athletic field wipes his sweaty forehead while holding a bottle of water.
After more than a week of record-breaking temperatures across much of the country, public health experts are cautioning that children are more susceptible to heatstroke than adults are — even more so when they're playing sports, living without air conditioning or waiting in a parked car.
Marta Seguar stands with her arms crossed against a wall
Marta Segura has been appointed the first chief heat officer of Los Angeles to coordinate a response to extreme heat — including heat-risk prevention, reducing heat exposure and developing cooling strategies.
Tree and Smoky Sky, Obscured Sun
Scientists, doctors and some California politicians say climate change has arrived, and unless something is done to curtail it, the heat will continue to get worse.
Los Angeles looking hot with sun in background
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How hot will your neighborhood get? "SoCal Connected" looks at the ground-level effects of climate change on southern California.
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