The West Will Suffer a Major Heatwave This Week

A major heatwave is poised to impact much of the Western U.S. this week.

Atmospheric conditions are primed for the mercury to soar yet again for much of the West. A ridge of high-pressure, plenty of sunshine, long days near the summer solstice and no rainfall will all combine to have the backyard thermometer rise to 5-25 degrees above normal levels for portions of the Desert Southwest, Great Basin, lower elevations of the Rocky Mountains and the northern part of the Plains.

As is climatologically normal, the hottest areas will be in portions of interior California and the Desert Southwest today and Wednesday. Readings well into the 100s will be quite common with some locales even hitting the 110s, such as Death Valley. 80s and 90s for afternoon temperatures will be common over a wide swath of territory in the West.

Heat Advisories and Excessive Heat Warnings are in effect for California’s Central Valley, with Excessive Heat Watches and Warnings also posted for parts of the Desert Southwest. Cities in a heat-related alert include Redding, Sacramento, Modesto and Death Valley, Calif., Las Vegas, Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz., Las Cruces, N.M., and El Paso, Texas.

While certainly hot and well above normal, temperatures will likely fall a few degrees short of breaking daily records. For example, today’s high temperature of 103 degrees in Sacramento, Calif., will fall short of the record high temperature of 107 degrees set in 1918. Palm Springs, Calif., has a forecast high of 108 and 106 degrees today and Wednesday, respectively. This is compared to the record highs of 114 and 117 degrees respectively.

Las Vegas will come close to record-breaking today, with a forecast high of 108 degrees compared to the record high of 109 degrees set only a few years ago in 2022. Meanwhile, Phoenix will fall short of their record high of 113 degrees on Wednesday and 114 degrees on Thursday, with forecast highs of 110 degrees both days.

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.