A severe heatwave is expected to impact parts of the southwestern United States this week, pushing temperatures into the triple digits and possibly breaking daily heat records.
Starting Wednesday, many cities are forecasted to experience temperatures exceeding 100°F (37.8°C), with regions from southeastern California to central Arizona and southern Texas facing their hottest weather since last September.
The National Weather Service has warned that record-high temperatures could occur from Las Vegas to Phoenix.
Around 19 million Americans will be under excessive heat warnings and advisories through late Friday, as the NWS issues alerts for dangerously hot conditions. Phoenix, which endured a record 31 consecutive days of 110°F (43.3°C) last summer, is expected to face extreme heat again.
Phoenix may break its 2016 record with forecasted highs reaching 113°F this Thursday.Fire restrictions, already in place in some areas, will expand across most of Arizona by Thursday. Fire crews remain on high alert amid predictions of earlier-than-usual extreme heat.
Early week temperatures were already high, with Death Valley, California reaching 110°F (43.3°C) on Monday and Furnace Creek forecasted to hit 120°F (48.8°C) on Thursday.
Las Vegas saw temperatures of 103°F (39.4°C) on Monday, with highs expected to reach 111°F (43.8°C) later in the week. Phoenix and other cities, including Sacramento and Fresno, are also bracing for intense heat.
California’s environmental protection agency highlighted the risks of extreme heat, particularly for outdoor workers, seniors, and children. A recent wildfire near Tracy, California, has heightened concerns, with the state on high alert for additional fire activity.
The forecasted high of 113°F (45°C) for Phoenix on Thursday may break the previous daily record of 111°F (43.8°C) from 2016. Efforts are underway in Arizona to improve protections, including extending the hours of cooling stations. Meanwhile, California’s largest wildfire of the year, the Corral Fire, has been 75% contained, though it caused significant damage and injuries.