Dangerous Heat Continues Across the Southwest
Record breaking heat will continue throughout the Southwest and West today. Record heat will also expand across the Plains today.
A large ridge of high pressure will remain firmly entrenched over the Southwestern U.S. and northwestern Mexico into early next week. With plenty of sunshine expected each day, temperatures will climb into the 90s and even 100s in many areas.
In fact, this scorching heat is expected each of the next several days across portions of southeastern California, southern Nevada, and Arizona where Excessive Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories are in effect. Cities such as Las Vegas and Phoenix are included in these warnings.
Extreme heat will even spread farther into portions of California, including the rest of southern California and along the coast up to the Bay Area. Here, Extreme Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories have also been issued. This includes San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco.
Numerous record high temperatures were broken on Thursday. In Phoenix, the record of 96 degrees set in 1895 was obliterated with a high near 105 degrees. Las Vegas reached a record high of 95 degrees on Thursday, breaking the previous record high temperature of 90 degrees set in 1937.
Los Angeles saw high temperatures near record levels Thursday afternoon. Downtown Los Angeles reached 96 degrees, falling just short of the record of 97 degrees, also set in 1997.
San Francisco shattered the daily record of 78 degrees set in 2010 when the temperature reached a high of 83 degrees in the afternoon.
Dozens of more record high temperatures are expected to be challenged today through the weekend across California into the Southwest and even over Texas northward into Nebraska.
Some records that are expected to fall today include Phoenix with a forecast high near 106 degrees. This would break the previous record of 96 degrees set in 2017.
Las Vegas is expected to set a new record high when the temperature peaks around 98 degrees this afternoon. The previous record is 90 degrees set in 2004.
In Sacramento, Calif., the previous record of 82 degrees set in 2004 is likely to be broken today with a forecast high of 91 degrees.
If you must go outdoors, prepare by staying hydrated and keep a watchful eye for any signs of heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Wear the right clothing, such as loose-fitting, lightweight and breathable fabrics, and take many breaks within a cool and shaded area.
Make sure to take extra precautions for children and the elderly as they are more susceptible to heat-related illness. Never leave children or animals alone in a locked vehicle as it can become dangerous and potentially fatal. Do not forget to download the WeatherBug app to stay up to date on the latest for this dangerous western heatwave.