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Dangerous Heat Continues Across The West, Expands Into The Plains
July 14, 2024
By WeatherBug Meteorologist, Rob Miller
High pressure system will continue to produce record-challenging heat across the Western U.S. today while heat expands into the Plains.
This strong upper-level high pressure will remain settled over the Western U.S. through today into early next week. Southerly winds within this high pressure will pump unseasonably hot and dry air into the West during this time. Temperatures will be anywhere from 5 to as much as 25 degrees above normal through Monday.
Widespread 90s and 100s are anticipated throughout the West until at least Sunday. It will be hotter in several places though, including California’s Central Valley into the deserts of southern California, southern Nevada and southwestern Arizona. Here, the mercury will reach the 110s and a few isolated 120s! Expect temperatures mostly in the 70s, 80s and 90s for the Pacific Northwest, coastal areas of California and the higher elevations.
Scattered showers and storms will bring limited relief to parts to the West. Temperatures at night will also stay fairly warm, with lows in the warmest areas dropping only into the 70s, 80s and lower 90s.
But the Western U.S. won't be alone in dealing with the high heat. High temperatures will soar into the 90s and 100s across much of the Plains today through Monday, with a few record high temperatures being challenged. Today's high temperatures could see the record of 100 degrees set in 1872 challenged or broken in Denver.
Excessive Heat Watches/Warnings and Heat Advisories cover most of the western U.S. over the next few days. Heat Advisories also cover a large portion of the Plains from eastern Colorado to southeastern Montana eastward into parts of Iowa, Missouri, southeastern Wisconsin, southwestern Indiana, western Kentucky, and Illinois. A small area of Excessive Heat Warnings are also found over portions of southwestern Iowa and southeastern Nebraska, including Omaha.
Many records will likely be broken from this heat wave over the next several days. In fact, the daily record high temperature has either been tied or broken at Las Vegas every day from July 6 through July 11th. Phoenix tied their record of 116 degrees on Friday as well.
If you are in one of these areas experiencing unseasonably hot temperatures, it will be important to stay hydrated and cool. Avoid exposure to the sun from late morning into the early evening. Take frequent breaks in the A.C. or shade. Eat and dress lightly. Use sun protection if outdoors. Never leave kids or pets unattended and remember to “Look Before You Lock!” Recognize the signs of heat-related illness.