An early spring heat wave is affecting the southwestern United States, with record temperatures in cities like Phoenix and Sacramento. Meanwhile, the reopening of Santorini after earthquakes brings hope for tourism, and a unique domesticated skunk named Mr. Sushi is bringing joy to many.
Welcome to CNN 10. Today, we explore the unusual early spring heat wave affecting the southwestern United States, the reopening of Santorini after a series of earthquakes, and a heartwarming story about a domesticated skunk.
As we are only eight days into spring, many cities in the southwestern United States are experiencing temperatures more akin to summer. Phoenix, Arizona, came close to breaking the 100-degree mark, reaching 99 degrees this week. If it had hit the forecasted triple digits, it would have marked the earliest 100-degree day on record for the city, which typically sees its first such day around May 11.
California cities like Bakersfield and Sacramento also broke high temperature records set in 1997, reaching 91 and 88 degrees respectively. The unusual warmth is not limited to the southwest; the Pacific Northwest is also experiencing record high temperatures, with Portland and Seattle facing a rare thunderstorm threat not seen this early in the year for at least three decades.
Meteorologist Derek Vanam reports that over the next few days, more than 75 potential record high temperatures could be tied or broken across the western two-thirds of the country. The heat is expected to impact the Rockies soon, with daytime highs cooling on the West Coast but warming in the central parts of the U.S. Cities in the southeast, including New Orleans, Orlando, and Atlanta, are experiencing temperatures typical for late spring.
In a fascinating historical account, we learn about Camp Century, a remote Arctic research base in Greenland that operated during the Cold War. Dr. Robert Weiss, who served as a physician there in 1962, shares his experiences. The base was constructed about 26 feet beneath the ice and housed nearly 200 people in a network of tunnels connecting various facilities, including living quarters, laboratories, and even a gym, all powered by a nuclear reactor.
The camp was part of a top-secret Pentagon plan to hide missile launch sites in the Arctic, a strategic location closer to Russia. Dr. Weiss expressed surprise upon learning about the facility's secret purpose decades later, highlighting the extraordinary engineering efforts that went into building this underground city.
In Greece, the famous island of Santorini is reopening to visitors for the first time since a series of earthquakes prompted a state of emergency and evacuations. Between January 26 and February 22, the island experienced tens of thousands of minor earthquakes, leading to significant disruptions.
However, just over a month later, the arrival of the first cruise ship of the season has sparked hope for the island's tourism industry. Tourists are expressing excitement about returning, reassured by government safety assurances. Santorini, which attracts around 3.4 million visitors annually, relies heavily on tourism for its economy, and residents are optimistic about a return to normalcy.
In a lighter segment, we meet Mr. Sushi, a domesticated skunk from Iowa, who is bringing smiles to those he encounters. As one of the 17 states where it is legal to own a domesticated skunk, Mr. Sushi has become a beloved figure, known for his playful personality and charm. His presence has sparked joy and laughter, showcasing the lighter side of life amidst the serious news.
As we wrap up today's news, we reflect on the early spring heat wave affecting many regions, the historical significance of Camp Century, the hopeful reopening of Santorini, and the joy brought by Mr. Sushi. Thank you for joining us today, and remember that happiness can be found in the present moment. See you tomorrow on CNN 10!
