Dangerous, Unprecedented Heat Wave Hits the West

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A dangerous and unprecedented heat wave is hitting the Western United States, with temperatures reaching 25-to-40 degrees above normal across the region. Dozens of cities have set all-time record high temperatures for March, including 105 degrees in Palm Springs, California, 102 degrees in Phoenix, Arizona, and 94 degrees in Las Vegas. Heat alerts are in place for 40 million Americans in the West through the weekend, and the extreme heat and dry weather could increase the risk of wildfires.

Why it matters

Extreme heat is considered the deadliest weather-related hazard in the U.S., with about 2,000 Americans dying each year on average from heat-related causes. The combination of record-breaking temperatures and high tourism to the Desert Southwest during this time of year raises concerns that the heat wave could turn deadly.

The details

The heat wave is expected to spread eastward through the week, with record highs potentially reaching Texas, Nebraska and Oklahoma by Friday, and stretching from Los Angeles to Memphis, Tennessee by Sunday. Red flag warnings are in place for parts of Wyoming, South Dakota and Nebraska, where wind gusts could reach 30 to 45 mph, further increasing the risk of wildfires.

• On Wednesday, a dozen cities recorded all-time record March temperatures.
• The heat wave is expected to continue through the weekend.

What’s next

Authorities are urging residents and visitors in the affected areas to take precautions against the extreme heat, including staying hydrated, limiting time outdoors, and checking on vulnerable populations.