Blazing hot West, temps 20º above normal

It’s a scorching Tuesday across much of the Southwest. A high-pressure system in the upper levels of the atmosphere is tightening its grip, and the long, hot stretch is set to continue.

From the Rockies through the Four Corners and California, temperatures will be between 10 and 20 degrees above normal. This week, around two dozen weather stations across the West will have record temperatures each day. The high-pressure system will begin to lose its grip by mid-next week. It is usual for these types of weather patterns to last several days to a week or so.

The TemperatureRadar shows Phoenix ranging between 104 and 107 through Friday. The afternoon in Las Vegas will be near 103. Southern California will remain hot, especially along the desert and valleys, where afternoons will reach between the mid-90s to 105. Evening temperatures will also be hot, with desert areas dropping to the mid-80s at best while the southern California valleys will struggle to drop below 69.

Every year in the U.S., heat kills more people than any other type of extreme weather. Studies indicate a 117 percent increase in the last 24 years. Just in 2023, there were 2,325 heat-related deaths. Out of these, 29 were kids left in hot cars. This year, the number has climbed to 35. These are preventable deaths.

Limit your time outdoors, especially during the hottest hours of the day, to stay cool during this hot stretch. Check on others, including the elderly, kids, and those with special conditions who may be affected more easily by the heat. If you have little ones, keep your car keys secure to avoid them sneaking into the car and becoming locked; always check your backseat before you lock and leave your car.