Millions of residents in California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah faced heat advisories on Friday, with meteorologists predicting triple-digit temperatures across the Southwest. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that the first major heat wave of the year is expected to extend into the weekend and likely persist into next week, bringing scorching, potentially record-breaking temperatures to the region.
Record-High Temperatures in Multiple Cities
Several cities are on track to reset their temperature records, including Fresno, California; Las Vegas, Reno, and Ely in Nevada; and Tucson, Phoenix, and Flagstaff in Arizona, according to AccuWeather. On Thursday, Las Vegas reached 111 degrees, the earliest date in recorded history the city has hit such a high temperature. Death Valley surpassed its previous record with a scorching 122 degrees. In Texas, San Angelo hit 111 degrees on Tuesday, setting a new daily high. California saw multiple cities, such as Santa Rosa, Palmdale, and Bishop, break their daily temperature records, all exceeding the triple-digit mark.
Southeast and Florida are Also Feeling the Heat
The heat wave is not confined to the Southwest. The Southeast, particularly Florida, is also experiencing sweltering conditions. On Thursday, Sanford, just north of Orlando, matched its daily record of 101 degrees, a record previously set in 1998. Forecasts for Miami, Palm Beach, and Boca Raton indicate “feel-like” temperatures could reach up to 110 degrees. AccuWeather predicts that temperatures across Florida could be 5 to 10 degrees above historical averages through the weekend.
Health and Safety Concerns Amid Rising Temperatures
Eastern San Diego County in California is expected to experience dangerously high temperatures of up to 108 degrees on Friday. Tucson, Arizona, may see temperatures between 105 and 111 degrees, while Las Vegas could hit between 107 and 114 degrees. The extreme heat, partly due to a recent heat wave in Mexico that resulted in dozens of deaths, has led officials to issue advisories and urge residents to avoid outdoor activities.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check on relatives and neighbors,” the NWS advised. “Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in minutes.”
At a Donald Trump rally in Phoenix on Thursday, at least 11 people were hospitalized due to heat-related incidents outside a packed church. Phoenix recorded a high of 112 degrees at Sky Harbor International Airport, breaking the previous daily record set in 2016. The Phoenix Fire Department reminded residents that Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak were closed for hiking under the excessive heat warning. “With temperatures hitting near 110 degrees, it’s not the day for hiking,” the department stated.
Weather Patterns and Long-Term Expectations
Sean Benedict, lead meteorologist for the Phoenix Weather Service, explained that while these high temperatures are not unusual for this time of year, the current heat wave results from a strong high-pressure system over the area. “We are into the summer now,” he told the Arizona Republic. “It just comes down to getting the right setup, which we do have with a strong high pressure over the area.”
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As the heat wave continues to affect millions across the Southwest and beyond, authorities are emphasizing the importance of safety measures and caution to prevent heat-related illnesses and fatalities. The public is advised to stay informed about weather updates and follow guidelines to mitigate the risks posed by extreme heat.