Death Toll From Maui Wildfires Rising – National Weather Outlook For August 11, 2023

by | Aug 11, 2023 | Weather

National Weather Forecast

Areas of showers and thunderstorms are expected across the central, southeastern, and southwestern United States, as well as in New England, on Friday. A few of the storms could be severe in the Upper Midwest and Southeast. Dangerously hot conditions will continue to impact the South Central and Southeastern United States.

The heaviest rain through the first half of the weekend will be across the eastern United States, where at least 2-3” of rain could fall over the next few days.

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At least 36 people have died in Maui wildfires that overwhelmed hospitals, demolished homes and destroyed cultural sites

More from CNN: “The death toll from the catastrophic wildfires in Maui has soared to 36, and officials worry the devastation could intensify as the infernos torch more of the ravaged island. The loss of life marked a staggering increase from earlier reports of six people killed. While survivors recall harrowing escapes by car or boat, many residents who fled still don’t know whether their homes and businesses have been reduced to ashes.”

Europe Is Hiring Fewer Firefighters but Facing More Wildfires Than Ever

More from Gizmodo: “Europe has been on fire this summer, but the number of firefighters available to address blazes around the continent has been on the decline. There were a little under 360,000 firefighters in the European Union last year, a 2,800-person decline from the number of firefighters in 2021, according to a recent statement from the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), citing data from Eurostat. Especially vulnerable countries like France saw a 12% decline in firefighters available. The drop comes in the wake of southwestern France enduring an especially devastating wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 1,000 in September 2022. Portugal saw a more than 21% decline from 2021 and 2022.”

Perseid meteor shower 2023: When, where & how to see it

More from Space.com: “The Perseid meteor shower (also known as the Perseids) is active every year from mid-July to late August. This year the shower will peak around the night of Aug. 12 and before dawn on Aug.13, 2023, according to the science site Royal Museums Greenwich. 2023 will be a good year for the Perseids as the moon will only be 10% illuminated. The Perseids are caused by Earth passing through debris — bits of ice and rock — left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle which last passed close to Earth in 1992. The Perseids peak when Earth passes through the densest and dustiest area on Aug. 11-12. Years without moonlight see higher rates of meteors per hour, and in outburst years (such as in 2016) the rate can be between 150-200 meteors an hour.”

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– D.J. Kayser