Millions in southwestern U.S. under Excessive Heat Warning
Southwestern U.S. is bracing for another dangerous heat wave, just a week after the region battled scorching temperatures. Excessive Heat Warnings are in effect for over 9 million people.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued Excessive Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories for California’s Central Valley and the Desert Southwest, with danger zones spreading from Sacramento on Monday, June 10 to Las Vegas and Phoenix by Tuesday, June 11. Phoenix will experience the most intense heat, lasting through Thursday.
“Temperatures are expected to rise to heat up heading into midweek. An Excessive Heat Warning is now in effect for most of south-central Arizona Tuesday – Thursday,” meteorologists at the NWS office in Phoenix said.
“On Tuesday, temperatures increase to 43.3 °C (110 °F) before peaking at 43.3 °C (110 °F) – 44.4 °C (112 °F) Wednesday and Thursday across the lower deserts.”
Temps are expected to rise to heat up heading into midweek. An Excessive Heat Warning is now in effect for most of south-central AZ Tuesday-Thursday. Tuesday temperatures increase to 110°F before peaking at 110-112°F Wednesday and Thursday across the lower deserts. #azwx pic.twitter.com/Uj0w4hoeiJ
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) June 10, 2024
NWS is urging residents and individuals involved in outdoor activities to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
Las Vegas tied its earliest 43.3 °C (110 °F) day on record on June 6, and both the city and Phoenix are desperate to avoid a repeat of last summer’s deadly heat.
In 2023, heat-related deaths skyrocketed by 78% in Las Vegas, reaching a staggering 294. Similarly, Phoenix saw a heart-wrenching 50% increase in heat deaths, with a total of 645 fatalities.
NWS keeps a close eye on feels-like temperature, also known as the heat index. When forecasts predict it reaching dangerous levels in the next 1 – 3 days, they issue an Excessive Heat Watch. This watch is a heads-up for people to prepare.
Things get serious if the heat index is expected to be “extremely dangerous”. In those cases, the NWS upgrades the watch to a warning just 12 hours before the heat hits.
References:
1 Round 2 of life-threatening heat menaces West with millions under Excessive Heat Warnings – FOX Weather – June 9, 2024
2 Short Range Public Discussion – NWS – June 10, 2024
Featured image credit: NWS
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