Blistering Heat Wave to Grip U.S. Southwest
(MENAFN) A blistering heat wave is bearing down on the U.S. Southwest this week, with forecasters warning of life-threatening temperatures expected to soar past 110°F (43.3°C) in major cities and peaking at a scorching 120°F (48.8°C) in California’s Death Valley, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Roughly 80 million Americans—spanning from the U.S.–Mexico border to southwest Utah—are under excessive heat warnings and advisories. The sweltering conditions are being driven by a dominant ridge of high pressure anchored over the Four Corners region—Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico—media reported Tuesday.
“An anomalously strong ridge of high pressure centered over the Four Corners states will lead to a significant heat wave,” the National Weather Service said.
The NWS forecasts extreme highs for several cities by Friday: 112°F (44.4°C) in Phoenix, 110°F (43.3°C) in Las Vegas, and a furnace-like 120°F (48.8°C) in Death Valley’s Furnace Creek.
Further north, the heat is also intensifying. Seattle is projected to hit the 90s°F on Saturday, and Portland, Oregon, faces increased wildfire risks under a fire weather watch Thursday.
Heat warnings will begin early Wednesday across Southern California, affecting Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, and Palm Springs. Cities like Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Tucson will remain under alerts through the weekend.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass warned the region could experience “potentially some of the hottest temperatures of the summer.” In response, officials are activating cooling centers, and California Governor Gavin Newsom is mobilizing additional firefighting support.
In Arizona, the human toll is mounting. Authorities in Maricopa County confirmed Tuesday that 44 deaths last week were directly tied to the extreme heat.
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