The National Weather Service has issued Extreme Heat Warnings covering large portions of Arizona, California, and Nevada, with dangerously hot conditions expected to persist through Sunday evening.
Multiple NWS offices, including those in Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Diego, are all maintaining active warnings across the region. The Las Vegas office notes that temperatures are expected to climb to nearly 30 degrees above seasonal normals, putting numerous daily and monthly heat records in jeopardy. The early-season timing of this event is a significant concern, as many residents and tourists are not yet acclimated to extreme desert heat.
Afternoon high temperatures of 100 to 110 degrees are forecast across the most severely affected areas. The Coachella Valley and San Diego County Deserts are expected to see some of the most intense heat, with highs between 105 and 110 degrees from Wednesday through Saturday. The Phoenix metro area and much of central and southern Arizona will face highs of 100 to 109 degrees beginning Thursday. Warm overnight low temperatures will also be a contributing factor, particularly in mountain and foothill locations, limiting overnight recovery.
The warnings span a wide geographic area, including the Las Vegas Valley, the greater Phoenix metro, Tucson, Yuma, the Coachella Valley, the San Gorgonio Pass, portions of the Los Angeles basin, and the Grand Canyon’s lower elevations. The NWS in Las Vegas specifically flagged high tourism rates as an aggravating factor, warning that travelers arriving from cooler climates face elevated risk.
The NWS is urging everyone to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned spaces, and avoid outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day. Do not leave children or pets in unattended vehicles. If you need help finding cooling resources, call 2-1-1. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke.
Monitor the latest forecasts at weather.gov for updates as conditions develop.
