Southwest to sizzle as Phoenix nears 110 and Las Vegas climbs to first 100 of the year
Heat will build across the interior Southwest, with some locations reaching the triple digits for the first time this year.
From California to Colorado, ski season is shutting down earlier after a mild winter and low snowpack forced resorts across the West Coast to close down ski operations weeks ahead of schedule.
The second heat wave of the year is underway for the Southwest, with some locations reaching temperatures not felt since last summer, AccuWeather meteorologists say.
Daytime highs between 90 and 100 degrees will be common for many through Tuesday, with some locations even topping out in the 110s.
Reaching the 110-mark for Phoenix by mid-May would not exactly be unheard of. However, if reached, this would mark the city’s third-earliest 110 reading on record, but only the fourth occurrence before May 20, and the earliest such heat since May 8, 1989.
In Fresno, California, highs are forecast to top out in the triple digits for the first time this year during this stretch. The last time Fresno had a 100-degree day was back in September of last year.
"Those hoping to avoid the heat will have to head near the California coast, where a marine layer and sea breeze will keep high temperatures in the 60s and 70s," AccuWeather Meteorologist Kai Kerkow said.
Individuals are urged to practice heat safety as early-season heat can be especially dangerous, as many are not yet acclimated to temperatures of this magnitude. Staying hydrated, wearing light-colored clothing, and taking breaks in the shade are some of the ways to stay safe in the heat.
Those doing strenuous physical activity should ensure they have plenty of water on hand and limit any activity from late morning through midafternoon.
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The surge in heat, combined with dry weather and ongoing drought conditions, will increase the risk of wildfire ignition and spread. People spending time outdoors should exercise extra caution with any open flames and spark-producing equipment.
"The heat will also continue to melt away the dwindling snowpack that is near-record low levels, bringing concerns for the water supply," adds Kerkow.
Farther north, across the Northwest, temperatures will also rise through Tuesday with highs in the upper 60s to mid-80s along the Interstate 5 corridor, including Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, which is 10-15 degrees above the historical average. Meanwhile, east of the Cascade Mountains in Washington and Oregon, temperatures are forecast to reach levels more typical in June with highs in the 70s and 80s.
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