Heatwave in U.S. Southwest to Ease Up

The historic heatwave that has gripped the U.S. Southwest throughout July is beginning to cool down with the arrival of monsoon rains. Metro Phoenix is expected to see temperatures fall under 110 degrees Fahrenheit for the first time in a month, while other areas such as Las Vegas, Albuquerque, and Death Valley will also experience some relief. However, the monsoon thunderstorms bring the risk of damaging winds, blowing dust, and flash flooding. The heatwave has also impacted animals, with a bear found cooling off in a Jacuzzi in California. The extreme heat is now moving towards the eastern part of the U.S., setting new heat records and causing extreme weather events such as flash floods. The heatwave has resulted in heat-associated deaths, with Maricopa County reporting 25 confirmed deaths and 249 more under investigation.