Staying Hot In The Southwest Through This Weekend

A large part of California and the Desert Southwest will continue to bake through early next week.

A stout ridge of high pressure has anchored itself over the southwestern U.S., pushing temperatures 10 to 25 degrees above normal for early October. Easterly winds around this area of high pressure will push hot and dry air to the California coast this weekend.

Record high temperatures will be the result in some areas, with Wednesday even seeing some new October monthly record high temperatures. The greatest concern for warmer than normal temperatures will occur in the deserts of Nevada and Arizona as well as much of the state of California. While the heat has been manageable for coastal southern California so far with highs in the 80s, even warmer highs in the 90s are expected this weekend.

Widespread 90s and 100s are anticipated throughout this part of the West with 80s along the immediate coastline through this weekend. It will be hotter in the deserts of southeastern California and much of southern Arizona. Here, the mercury will reach the 110s!

With dry weather in the forecast, there will be no chance of relief from this heat in the form of cloud cover or showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures at night will also stay fairly warm, with lows in the warmest areas dropping only into the upper 60s, 70s, and 80s.

Excessive Heat Watches/Warnings and Heat Advisories featuring record heat in some areas will cover southern Nevada and much of central and southern California today and for the next several days 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.