US braces for first major Southwest heat wave of the year

Travis Schlepp
·2 min read
2

Temperatures are expected to climb in the coming days across much of the American Southwest, including parts of California.

The heat-up is expected to begin Tuesday, with temperatures in some places forecast to be as much as 5 to 20 degrees above historical averages. Temperatures will begin cooling down around Friday evening.

Meteorologists from Accuweather, a weather forecasting media company, say a “bulge in the jet stream due to high-pressure building in the atmosphere and a storm offshore of California” will cause heat to build without any rain or thunderstorm activity across much of the West.

Millions of Americans will be affected by the scorching heat, including possible record-high temperatures in Sacramento on Tuesday and Fresno on Thursday. Temperatures in Las Vegas and Phoenix could both exceed 110 degrees.

Southern California Weather Forecast

“Additional locations across California’s interior Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys will match or set daily record highs through the week,” said AccuWeather meteorologist Alyssa Glenny.

Record-breaking heat totals are possible in parts of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Oregon, Idaho and Wyoming, Accuweather forecasting models show.

People who spend significant time outside in these areas are urged to stay hydrated, take regular breaks in shaded or cool areas, and wear proper clothing and shoes to minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses.

NWS Heat Warning
NWS Heat Warning

In addition to rewriting record books, the heat will also bring increased risk of forest fires.

Despite an abundance of rainfall and historic snowpack in California, meteorologists warn that California’s topsoil and grass can dry out quickly, providing fires plenty of fast-burning fuel if sparked.

A weekend fire in San Joaquin County near Tracy scorched more than 14,000 acres and was the first 10,000-acre fire in California this year.

“Given the heat, dryness, and sunshine this week, there will likely be more fires breaking out that can quickly spread,” AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said.

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