A heat wave is forecasted to sweep through parts of California, Nevada, and Arizona this week, bringing triple-digit temperatures to the region. Phoenix, which experienced a record-breaking 31 consecutive days of at least 110 degrees Fahrenheit last summer, is expected to be one of the areas most affected.
The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings for the region from Wednesday morning to Friday evening due to the anticipated 'dangerously hot conditions.' Record daily highs are likely to be challenged in cities like Las Vegas and Phoenix.
Fire crews are on high alert, particularly in Arizona, where fire restrictions have been in place since before Memorial Day in some areas and will be expanded to cover most of the western and south-central parts of the state by Thursday. Officials are closely monitoring the situation and ensuring that firefighters stay hydrated and take necessary breaks despite the scorching temperatures.
Temperatures on Monday already reached 110 degrees Fahrenheit at Death Valley National Park, 103 degrees in Phoenix, and 105 degrees in Needles, California. The heat is expected to intensify throughout the week, with Las Vegas projected to experience temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above normal, peaking at 111 degrees on Thursday.
Thursday's forecast includes a high of 120 degrees at Furnace Creek in Death Valley and a potential record-breaking 113 degrees in Phoenix. Last summer, Phoenix endured a month-long stretch of temperatures at or above 110 degrees, contributing to hundreds of heat-related deaths.
Efforts are underway to protect vulnerable populations from the extreme heat, with cooling stations being funded to remain open longer and provide essential services to those in need. Additional fire restrictions are being implemented to mitigate the heightened risk of wildfires, with bans on campfires and open flames in certain areas.
In California, the Corral Fire, the state's largest wildfire this year, was 75% contained after burning over 22 square miles of land. The fire, which started on Saturday, destroyed one home and injured two firefighters before being brought under control.
