Millions of residents across California, Nevada, and Arizona have been warned to stay out of the sun on Friday and Saturday as temperatures are set to soar into the triple digits.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued heat advisories and extreme heat watches across the three states as the Southwest braces for an incoming heat wave.
Why It Matters
Extreme heat is now considered one of the deadliest weather risks in the United States, causing an estimated 1,220 deaths annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The current heat advisories carry particular urgency for the Southwest, where low humidity and persistent drought have made wildfires significantly more destructive and difficult to contain. In January of this year alone, California wildfires killed at least 30 people and forced 200,000 to evacuate. More than 16,000 homes and business were destroyed.
What To Know
High temperatures across California’s Central Valley, inland Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona are forecast to exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit over the course of the heat advisories, with official warnings expecting “limited overnight relief.”
In Nevada’s Death Valley, temperatures are forecast to reach up to 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
Residents are urged to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
The NWS also warned residents not to leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles.
“Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes,” the service warned.
The heat warnings will occur from Friday morning through Saturday evening and, in some areas in California, will continue through to Sunday morning.
Even in Las Vegas, the temperatures are above normal. NWS meteorologist Matt Woods, who works at the Las Vegas office, told Newsweek that temperatures this weekend will be around 10 degrees warmed than normal. Normal high temperatures in Las Vegas this time of year are 94 degrees Fahrenheit.
Meteorologists attributed the intensity of the heat wave to a persistent high-pressure system over the region combined with offshore wind patterns, which block cooler ocean air from reaching inland communities.
For those without access to air conditioning, local officials and organizations will be opening cooling centers.
What People Are Saying
Dr. Gregory Hartt, the ER medical director at Mercy Medical Center Redding, told Newsweek: “As temperatures climb, we anticipate a corresponding increase in ER visits due to heat-related illnesses. A critical component of heat wave preparedness is proactively ensuring adequate staffing levels, supplies, and cooling measures are in place to effectively manage the influx of patients.”
NWS Sacramento, on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday: “With well above normal temperatures expected this week, Moderate HeatRisk and areas of Major HeatRisk are in the forecast. Widespread triple digits are possible on Friday, with near record to record highs. Practice heat safety!”
What Happens Next
In most cases, the heat wave will continue through Saturday evening, at the time of writing. People in the affected areas should monitor their local weather guidance throughout the surge in temperatures.
The post People in Multiple States Advised To Avoid the Sun for 2 Days appeared first on Newsweek.
