Oppressive heat wave bakes Phoenix, L.A. and Las Vegas
By
Mary Gilbert, AccuWeather meteorologist
Published May 5, 2020 11:48 AM EDT
Believe it or not, heat waves cause more deaths annually in the United States than any other weather event combined, even tornadoes and hurricanes. However, these deaths can be prevented. Here's how you can prepare and stay safe if a heat wave does approach your area.
Excessive heat warnings were in effect through late this week across southern Arizona, including around Phoenix and Tucson, and the high deserts of Southern California as high temperatures are expected to soar to extreme levels.
Temperatures in Phoenix have reached 97 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, with highs most days above 100 F, since April 23. Phoenicians experienced a three-day break from triple-digit heat over the weekend and on Monday, but Tuesday’s high once again eclipsed the century mark with the mercury registering 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
The high on Wednesday tied the daily record of 106 F set in 2018, with an AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperature reaching 111 during the mid-afternoon. This was also the fifth earliest occurrence on record of a high temperature of 106 degrees or higher. An extended stretch of searing heat will persist through Saturday as temperatures are projected to surpass 100 degrees each day.
The National Weather Service issued excessive heat warnings for Phoenix and much of the surrounding Desert Southwest areas as temperatures have soared about 15 degrees above normal. Heat advisories were also in place for the Southern California coastline. (AccuWeather)
(AccuWeather)
Excessive heat watches extended up to the southern suburbs of Las Vegas, which has failed to reach the 100-degree mark thus far in 2020. The city came up just short on Wednesday with a high of 99 F. The normal high for this time in May is 84.
Heat advisories are in place across the Los Angeles basin as heat ramps up across the region. “A summerlike pattern is expected to grip much of California and the Southwest into the end of the week as an expansive area of high pressure sits overhead,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said.
Heat returned to Southern California in earnest on Tuesday, and daily high temperatures are expected to ratchet up a by few degrees each day through the end of the week.
Into the end of the week, widespread high temperatures 10-20 degrees above normal for May will be common across much of the state.
“In Los Angeles, Thursday's record-high temperature of 97 degrees set back in 1941 could be in jeopardy as the core of the heat builds,” Buckingham said.
Downtown Los Angeles normally has a high in the middle 70s at this point in the year.
Unlike the most recent surge of heat at the end of April that sent many residents to overcrowded beaches in search of a way to cool off, this week’s heat wave is not shaping up to be one for the history books. Widespread records are not expected to fall, but a few locations could have records challenged on the hottest days this week.
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The core of the heat will expand to reach central and Northern California on Thursday.
Many locations from the San Joaquin Valley through the Sacramento Valley are forecast to reach into the lower 90s on Thursday. Middle to upper 90s will be common across the same area on Friday and Saturday.
“Californians will have to find creative ways to cool off while outside as heading to the beach may not be an option for everyone,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Renee Duff said.
Last Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom shut down state beaches in Orange County, where large crowds gathered during the final weekend of April. At least two beach cities have submitted safety plans to the governor’s office and were able to reopen with major restrictions on Tuesday.
“Anyone who does spend time outside, while maintaining proper social distancing, should drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen and have a hat handy amid the hot pattern,” Duff said.
Heat-related illnesses may not be the only threat Californians will have to deal with during this next stretch of hot and dry weather.
Through Thursday, gusty winds will whip through portions of the state.
"With wildfire season starting to get underway and drought conditions already at extreme levels in parts of Northern California, the risk for fires will increase with this wind event," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brian Thompson said.
On Monday, Newsom declared the week of May 3-9 as "Wildfire Preparedness Week." Nearly a quarter of the state's population lives in high fire-risk areas, according to the proclamation issued by the governor's office.
While the strongest winds from this event may blow across the mountains of Southern California, the threat of wildfire ignition and spread may be lower due to well above-average rainfall during April.
However, now that the ground has begun to dry out, the risk for wildfire ignition will not be zero, Duff warned.
Residents should use extra caution with outdoor power equipment, as well as any outdoor flames.
Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios.
Report a Typo
News / Weather Forecasts
Oppressive heat wave bakes Phoenix, L.A. and Las Vegas
By Mary Gilbert, AccuWeather meteorologist
Published May 5, 2020 11:48 AM EDT
Believe it or not, heat waves cause more deaths annually in the United States than any other weather event combined, even tornadoes and hurricanes. However, these deaths can be prevented. Here's how you can prepare and stay safe if a heat wave does approach your area.
Excessive heat warnings were in effect through late this week across southern Arizona, including around Phoenix and Tucson, and the high deserts of Southern California as high temperatures are expected to soar to extreme levels.
Temperatures in Phoenix have reached 97 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, with highs most days above 100 F, since April 23. Phoenicians experienced a three-day break from triple-digit heat over the weekend and on Monday, but Tuesday’s high once again eclipsed the century mark with the mercury registering 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
The high on Wednesday tied the daily record of 106 F set in 2018, with an AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperature reaching 111 during the mid-afternoon. This was also the fifth earliest occurrence on record of a high temperature of 106 degrees or higher. An extended stretch of searing heat will persist through Saturday as temperatures are projected to surpass 100 degrees each day.
The National Weather Service issued excessive heat warnings for Phoenix and much of the surrounding Desert Southwest areas as temperatures have soared about 15 degrees above normal. Heat advisories were also in place for the Southern California coastline. (AccuWeather)
Excessive heat watches extended up to the southern suburbs of Las Vegas, which has failed to reach the 100-degree mark thus far in 2020. The city came up just short on Wednesday with a high of 99 F. The normal high for this time in May is 84.
Heat advisories are in place across the Los Angeles basin as heat ramps up across the region. “A summerlike pattern is expected to grip much of California and the Southwest into the end of the week as an expansive area of high pressure sits overhead,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said.
Heat returned to Southern California in earnest on Tuesday, and daily high temperatures are expected to ratchet up a by few degrees each day through the end of the week.
Into the end of the week, widespread high temperatures 10-20 degrees above normal for May will be common across much of the state.
“In Los Angeles, Thursday's record-high temperature of 97 degrees set back in 1941 could be in jeopardy as the core of the heat builds,” Buckingham said.
Downtown Los Angeles normally has a high in the middle 70s at this point in the year.
Unlike the most recent surge of heat at the end of April that sent many residents to overcrowded beaches in search of a way to cool off, this week’s heat wave is not shaping up to be one for the history books. Widespread records are not expected to fall, but a few locations could have records challenged on the hottest days this week.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP
The core of the heat will expand to reach central and Northern California on Thursday.
Many locations from the San Joaquin Valley through the Sacramento Valley are forecast to reach into the lower 90s on Thursday. Middle to upper 90s will be common across the same area on Friday and Saturday.
“Californians will have to find creative ways to cool off while outside as heading to the beach may not be an option for everyone,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Renee Duff said.
Last Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom shut down state beaches in Orange County, where large crowds gathered during the final weekend of April. At least two beach cities have submitted safety plans to the governor’s office and were able to reopen with major restrictions on Tuesday.
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“Anyone who does spend time outside, while maintaining proper social distancing, should drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen and have a hat handy amid the hot pattern,” Duff said.
Heat-related illnesses may not be the only threat Californians will have to deal with during this next stretch of hot and dry weather.
Through Thursday, gusty winds will whip through portions of the state.
"With wildfire season starting to get underway and drought conditions already at extreme levels in parts of Northern California, the risk for fires will increase with this wind event," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brian Thompson said.
On Monday, Newsom declared the week of May 3-9 as "Wildfire Preparedness Week." Nearly a quarter of the state's population lives in high fire-risk areas, according to the proclamation issued by the governor's office.
While the strongest winds from this event may blow across the mountains of Southern California, the threat of wildfire ignition and spread may be lower due to well above-average rainfall during April.
However, now that the ground has begun to dry out, the risk for wildfire ignition will not be zero, Duff warned.
Residents should use extra caution with outdoor power equipment, as well as any outdoor flames.
Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios.
Report a Typo