Could Arizona see a ‘Hurricane Katrina of extreme heat’? New book explores possibilities
Author Jeff Goodell explores what would happen in Phoenix during an extreme heat event coupled with a blackout that lasts two or more days.
PHOENIX — A new book from a New York Times best seller warns about the likelihood of a “Hurricane Katrina of extreme heat.”
In “The Heat Will Kill You First“, author Jeff Goodell talked to an Arizona State University infrastructure expert about the likelihood of a “Hurricane Katrina of extreme heat,” an event in which a power failure during a heat wave kills thousands of people, with government authorities dangerously unprepared.
Goodell said the idea for his book was ignited in 2018 when he was staying in downtown Phoenix and experienced signs of heat exhaustion.
In his book, he explores what would happen in Phoenix during an extreme heat event coupled with a blackout that lasts two or more days.
This is a scenario being looked at by scientists and experts on infrastructure.
Goodell said buildings would become like convection ovens without a functioning air conditioner and during a situation like that – Goodell calls heat a predatory force going after the most vulnerable.
Our extreme weather isn’t visual like hurricanes or tornadoes, Goodell said, and noted that when you look outside you can’t tell the difference between temperatures of 80 and 110. Because of that, he said his book is somewhat of a cautionary tale.
Arizona Weather
Arizona has seen its fair share of severe weather. Here is a compilation of videos from various storms across the Grand Canyon state.
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