Record-Shattering Heat Wave Lingers as Heat Dome Moves to the Plains
Unprecedented Heat Wave Sweeps Western U.S.
An oppressive heat wave has gripped much of the western United States, leaving cities and their residents struggling through conditions typically associated with the peak of summer. This weekend’s temperatures have been particularly intense, with many areas experiencing record-breaking heat that is far beyond normal seasonal averages.
The blistering heat wave, which has persisted throughout the week in California and the desert Southwest, is expected to spread further east into the central U.S. in the coming days. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are projected to be 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit above average for this time of year, affecting regions from the Southwest into the Great Plains.
Record-Breaking Temperatures
Since Tuesday, more than 150 daily temperature records and around 50 monthly all-time records have already been shattered, with more expected to fall this weekend and in the coming days. Parts of California were already well above seasonal averages heading into the weekend, with Death Valley reaching a scorching 105 degrees on Thursday, setting a new monthly record. Highs are expected to remain in the triple digits there into next week, according to the National Weather Service.
Southern Nevada was also grappling with summerlike conditions this weekend. Las Vegas hit 96 degrees on Saturday and is forecast to reach 93 degrees on Sunday. To help residents cope with the heat, more than 40 daytime cooling stations were opened throughout the city.
Clark County Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick noted that while Southern Nevada is no stranger to extreme heat, the current situation is unprecedented, occurring months ahead of the typical summer season. “Our bodies are not yet acclimated to these temperatures, and that puts people at greater risk for heat-related illnesses,” she said in a statement.
Heat Warnings and Precautions
The Las Vegas office of the National Weather Service urged people to take proper precautions to avoid heat-related illness. “If you’re spending time outdoors, remember to wear sunscreen, eat light meals, and avoid caffeine & alcohol,” the weather service said on X.
In Colorado, Fort Collins reached an astounding 91 degrees on Saturday, setting a new all-time high for March since the city’s recordkeeping began in 1893. The 91-degree milestone also surpassed April’s hottest recorded temperature in Fort Collins by 2 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Denver, meanwhile, hit 86 degrees on Saturday, also setting a new record for the month of March.
The heat, combined with low humidity and breezy winds, is raising the risk of wildfires across the state.
Causes of the Heat Wave
This week’s historic heat wave was caused by a heat dome, a stubborn ridge of high pressure that has trapped hot air over a huge swath of the western U.S. like a lid on a pot. While it can be challenging to determine the exact influence of climate change on specific extreme weather events, global warming is known to make heat waves more frequent, more intense, and longer-lasting.
A new report from the World Weather Attribution group stated that this March heat wave “would have been virtually impossible without human-induced climate change.”
Impact on Daily Life
In Phoenix, where temperatures reached 105 degrees on Friday and Saturday—record highs for the entire month of March—several popular hiking trails have been closed during daytime hours. These closures occurred months earlier than usual, as part of the Phoenix Trail Heat Safety Program, which restricts access to trails when extreme heat warnings are in effect.
An extreme heat warning remains in effect in the region through Sunday. The Maricopa County Department of Public Health urged people to stay indoors with air conditioning as much as possible in the coming days. “Remember to drink your water, limit outdoor activities during peak heat, and check in on loved ones who are at risk,” public health officials wrote in a post on Facebook.
Adjustments to Outdoor Events
Several outdoor events in the Phoenix area have had to make adjustments due to the extreme heat. At least 10 Major League Baseball spring training games have moved their start times from the afternoon to after 6 p.m. local time to avoid the worst of the triple-digit temperatures.
In Glendale, Arizona, the local fire department reported transporting approximately 30 people to area hospitals on Saturday for heat-related illnesses during the Luke Days Air Show. Firefighters also evaluated and treated several other attendees on scene who were experiencing heat-related symptoms.
Forecast for the Coming Days
The National Weather Service expects temperatures on Sunday to be in the 90s and 100s across the Southwest and in the 80s in parts of Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. Across the Great Plains, highs will range from the 70s into the 90s.
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