Maps show forecast for extreme heat wave scorching the West A prolonged heat wave is intensifying across the western United States, with temperatures expected to remain dangerously high for several days. A persistent high-pressure system is suppressing precipitation and creating conditions for early-season extreme heat, affecting regions from the Desert Southwest to coastal areas near the Pacific Ocean. Triple-digit temperatures are already scorching cities like Palm Springs, California, where a record 103 degrees was recorded Tuesday. Phoenix, Arizona, also experienced its earliest-ever 100-degree high on Wednesday, breaking the previous record set in 1988. This marks the first such temperature in the city since record-keeping began in 1896. The National Weather Service warns that above-normal temperatures will persist through the weekend, with additional record-breaking daily highs and overnight lows likely. Forecasters predict the heat could extend into early next week, raising concerns about prolonged exposure to extreme conditions. The situation has prompted extreme heat warnings and advisories across the Southwest, including major cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and Tucson. These alerts are in place through at least Sunday, with potential for extensions. Technically, a heat wave is defined as a period of unusually hot weather lasting two or more days, with temperatures significantly above historical averages for a given region. While 100-degree temperatures are common in Phoenix during summer, they are classified as a heat wave in early spring. The National Weather Service emphasizes that such conditions pose significant risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.#national_weather_service #los_angeles #san_francisco #phoenix_arizona #palm_springs_california
Historic U.S. heat wave will influence Canada’s weather next week A major and likely historic heat wave is expected to intensify across the western United States next week, with temperatures potentially spiking to unprecedented levels. The event is driven by a powerful ridge of high pressure, which is forecast to extend into parts of Western Canada, bringing above-seasonal warmth to the region. This atmospheric pattern could set new records for monthly heat, including the United States’ highest temperature ever recorded during March. The ridge of high pressure, one of the strongest observed this early in the year, will dominate the weather system, forcing air to sink and warm as it descends. This process creates dry, hot conditions that will peak in two stages. Initially, the ridge will strengthen over southern California early in the week before shifting east and re-intensifying over Arizona. The result will be extreme heat that could surpass historical benchmarks in multiple locations. Phoenix, Arizona, is projected to experience its hottest March temperature on record, with a predicted high of 43°C (109°F) on next Saturday. This would eclipse the previous record of 37.7°C (100°F) set on March 26, 1988. Similarly, Las Vegas, which has never officially exceeded 33.8°C (93°F) in March, could hit 39°C (102°F) during the heat wave. Other cities in the desert southwest, including Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and Death Valley, are also expected to break their all-time March temperature records. The U.S. national March temperature record, currently held at 42.2°C (108°F) in Rio Grande City, Texas, on March 30, 1954, is likely to fall during this event. The extreme heat will not be confined to the U.S.#las_vegas #canada #western_united_states #phoenix_arizona #b_c_coastline
