High pressure ridge drives record heat in western USA
A ridge of high pressure over the western United States is bringing unusually hot and dry conditions, with record temperatures expected from May 30 to 31, 2025. The hottest areas include southern Nevada, southeast California, and northwest Arizona. Cooler air and possible light rain from a Pacific cold front and Tropical Storm Alvin are forecast to arrive by early June.
Mojave Desert, California. Credit: Alexander Hatley
A strong ridge of high pressure over the western United States is producing a period of hot, dry weather.
The National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center (NWS WPC) reports that the region could experience record-breaking temperatures in the coming days. Excessive Heat Warnings have been issued for parts of southern Nevada, southeast California, and northwest Arizona from May 30 through May 31 until 23:00 LT.
Interior northern California could see record highs on May 30. By Saturday, May 31, the heat is expected to spread into the Great Basin, Idaho, and western Montana. Temperatures in desert areas such as Death Valley could climb up to 44°C (110°F).
Las Vegas is expected to push toward 41°C (106°F) on Saturday, May 31, while Yosemite Valley and Boise may see highs around 38°C (100°F). Salt Lake City isn’t far behind, with temperatures forecast to reach 34°C (93°F). These levels approach or exceed the hottest ever recorded on this date in each location.
The Lake Mead Recreation Area is looking at 40°C to 42°C (104°F to 108°F), while parts of the western Mojave Desert, including Barstow, could range from 38°C to 41°C (100°F to 105°F). Furnace Creek is billed to be the warmest in California, with an expected highest temprature of 48°C (117°F) over May 30 to 31.
Southern Nevada valleys such as Pahrump and Moapa are predicted to reach between 40°C and 43°C (104°F to 109°F). Laughlin is forecast to be the hottest in Nevada at 43°C (109°F).
Meteorologists have clarified that the heat won’t last long, with cooler air moving into California on Sunday, June 1 and spreading eastward by Monday, June 2.
A Pacific cold front moving into the Northwest between May 31 and June 1 is expected to lower temperatures. At the same time, Tropical Storm Alvin could push some moisture into Southern California near San Diego, bringing a slight chance of showers. This shift in the pattern may lead to below-normal temperatures across California by June 1 and 2.
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