The southwestern United States is bracing for the first major heatwave of the season, with parts of California, Nevada, and Arizona expected to experience dangerously high temperatures this week. Meteorologists predict that several areas will reach triple-digit temperatures, including Phoenix, which last summer endured a record-breaking 31 consecutive days of temperatures at or above 43.3 degrees Celsius.
According to the National Weather Service, by Wednesday, regions stretching from southeast California to central Arizona will face their hottest weather since last September. Record daily high temperatures are threatened in cities from Las Vegas to Phoenix. The weather service issued excessive heat warnings from 10 a.m. Wednesday to 8 p.m. Friday due to these “dangerously hot conditions.”
Fire crews are on high alert, particularly in Arizona, where fire restrictions have been implemented ahead of the heatwave. Authorities announced that restrictions went into effect before Memorial Day in some areas and will extend across most of the western and south-central parts of the state by Thursday.
“The combination of high temperatures and dry conditions significantly increases the risk of wildfires,” officials warned. Residents are urged to exercise caution, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and stay hydrated.
On Monday, temperatures soared to 43.3 degrees Celsius at Death Valley National Park in California near the Nevada border, 39.4 degrees Celsius in Phoenix, and 40.5 degrees Celsius in Needles, California. As the heatwave intensifies, communities across the Southwest are preparing for the extreme weather conditions, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by rising temperatures.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
