If you noticed that the temperature was higher than usual in the past month, new research shows that you might have been well within your rights to complain: meteorologists are now reporting that 2015 was the hottest April on record. But while this might only be expected of the Sunshine State, several regions around the United States also reported unusually warm or dry weather, suggesting that the country may be in the midst of a heat wave.
According to several weather services, Sunday, April 26 was the hottest day on record throughout the state in a month that has already stood out for its unusual temperatures. For example, Miami International Airport reported a temperature of 96 degrees, breaking the daily record of 93 set in 1988 and tying the record for April overall, which had previously been set in 1971.
Meanwhile, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport broke the 1988 record of 94 degrees when it reported a temperature of 96 degrees Sunday afternoon, and the heat in Boca Raton and at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport reached a high of 99 degrees. However, the hottest temperature was reported at the Royal Palm Ranger Station in the Everglades, where it was a sweltering 100 degrees.
Given these statistics, it is unsurprising to learn that April 2015 was the hottest on record, topping the previous standard set in 1907. Experts have compared these temperatures to normal seasonal measurements for May or June, making the month around 10 degrees warmer than usual.
However, Florida isn’t the only state breaking records: the first four months of 2015 were the warmest ever reported for Alaska, Arizona and California, while Nevada, Oregon and Utah experienced their second warmest period from January to April. Similarly, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and Montana all reported that the opening four months fell into their top ten warmest in their local histories. California also topped its previous record, set last year, by 1.1 degrees Fahrenheit, suggesting that its drought won’t be resolved anytime soon.
Given that temperatures are expected to only decrease slightly before returning to their usual seasonal highs in these areas, experts are recommending that all area residents prepare for the heat. People should make sure to drink plenty of water, protect their skin from sun exposure and seek out shade whenever possible, while some experts even recommend staying indoors.
Heating and air conditioning companies are recommending that their customers pay special attention to their air conditioners: cooling or heating equipment becomes less efficient over time, and while the physical life of HVAC equipment can often be longer than its economic life, it is important to make sure the unit is properly maintained, clean and functioning properly. Failing to do so can have a serious impact on a person’s health, especially as temperatures reach the high 90s and low 100s.
