Blog note. Jesus indicated that ‘fearful sights’ (various
natural disasters) would occur leading up to the time known as the Tribulation
and Great Tribulation (a combined seven year period of great destruction on
earth). Although these types of things have occurred in the past for centuries
and thousands of years, they could be identified as the ‘season of the times’ due
to the ferociousness of these events. They would be occurring in greater
intensity, severity, frequency, size, duration, scope … just like the pains
that a woman experiences in labor the farther along she is in the labor
process. We are in the ‘season of the times’ that comes just before the seven
(7) year Tribulation/Great Tribulation period
… And great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and famines, and
pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
(Luke 21:11).
… And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and
upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves
roaring; (Luke 21:25)
… Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which
are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken; (Luke 21:26)
… This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy
3:1)
Jesus is giving a series of prophecies about what to look for as the age of
grace comes to a close. These verses are several of many such prophecies from
throughout the Bible. 2017 was the worst year in recorded history for the
intensity, frequency, severity, duration and occurrence of a large number of
severe natural disasters worldwide. Earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes,
typhoons, cyclones, torrential flooding, unprecedented wildfires in unusual
places, devastating droughts, excessive/scorching heat setting records
everywhere, record snowfalls in Europe and Russia. Snow in the Arabia. This
list can go on. Most studied Eschatologists believe these ‘fearful sights’ and
massive natural disasters are all part of the ‘CONVERGENCE’ of signs that this
Biblical and prophetic age is closing. Most people who study prophecy are
familiar with the routine reference(s) made that these things will be like
a woman having labor.
Phoenix ties record-high temperature as excessive heat warning continues in Southwest
Claire Rafford and Doyle Rice USA TODAY•June 13, 2019
Another day of brutal heat was forecast Thursday for the Phoenix area and the entire Desert Southwest, a day after the city tied a record high of 112 degrees.
“Across the Desert Southwest, temperatures will once again reach triple digits on Thursday, resulting in another day of excessive heat warnings for portions of southern California, southern Nevada and southwestern Arizona, including the Las Vegas and Phoenix metro areas,” the National Weather Service said.
Fortunately, forecasters said the intense heat will begin to ease on Friday across the Desert Southwest, including Phoenix.
The extreme heat has already ended across most of California and Oregon, after several days of record to near-record highs in cities such as San Francisco and Portland. San Francisco hit 100 degrees on Monday for only the 7th time ever recorded, AccuWeather said.
In Phoenix, after a pleasant May temperature-wise, the metro area now is dealing with a bout of intense heat, which has resulted the excessive heat warning.
“Anyone who goes outside will notice an intense heat,” said Andrew Deemer, meteorologist with the weather service in Phoenix.
Monday and Tuesday saw highs of 109 and 108 degrees, respectively, in Phoenix.
A heat advisory, originally issued Monday, will continue through 8 p.m. Thursday, meaning temperatures could again exceed 110 degrees. According to the National Weather Service, Phoenix will experience “a high near 112” on Thursday.
Deemer said that to avoid the dangerous heat conditions, people should be prepared – including making sure they have somewhere to go should their air conditioning break down, making sure their pets are safe in the heat and having water in case a car gets a flat tire, to name a few precautions.
“The truth is, heat kills,” Deemer said.
He said this unusually high heat wave is caused by high pressure building over the Southwest that will continue “for most of the summer.”
This year, the pressure just happened to build earlier, after an unusually mild May, he said.
Deemer said temperatures are expected to cool down on Friday – the weather service is forecasting a high of 104 degrees – which is more typical for this time of year in Arizona.
While residents are encouraged to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged periods of time outdoors, such as hiking, Deemer said one of the most important things to do is to make sure that community members are staying safe.
“Check in on family, neighbors, friends … just check in on people,” he said.