Triple-digit heat returns to the West as dozens of major cities eye record-breaking temperatures
High temperatures are running up to 30 degrees above average, with extreme heat warnings in effect for parts of Phoenix and Palm Springs.
More triple-digit temperatures scorch West after warmest winter on record for many
Parts of the California Central Valley will reach 100 degrees Monday, with other parts of the West and Southwest expected to soar into the upper 80s and low 90s. Extreme Heat Warnings have been issued for inland parts of Southern California and the Phoenix metro area. This follows March's record heat wave which contributed to the warmest winter on record for over 50 cities across the West.
Record heat has gripped millions across the West, with California's Central Valley forecast to reach 100 degrees Monday and other parts of the region expected to soar into the upper 80s and low 90s through Wednesday.
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This comes on the heels of a winter season that was one of — if not the — warmest on record for more than 50 western cities. In March, a historic heat wave swept across the West, shattering all-time temperature records.
A man walks near the Las Vegas strip during a heatwave in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 7, 2024.
(Robyn Beck / AFP)
In fact, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that March was the warmest on record across the Lower 48.
NOAA: WARMEST MARCH EVER RECORDED ACROSS LOWER 48 DRIVEN BY HISTORIC WESTERN HEAT DOME
More than 1,200 locations recorded one of their 10 warmest Marches ever, while nearly 400 experienced their warmest March on record.
(FOX Weather)
A ridge of high pressure is anchored over the region, allowing warmth to increase alongside dry and sunny conditions.
High temperatures are expected to climb up to 30 degrees above average, with extreme heat warnings in effect for parts of Phoenix and Palm Springs, where triple-digit heat is expected to peak early this week.
FILE: FOX Weather Correspondent Brandy Campbell visits World's Tallest Thermometer amid historic heat wave
FOX Weather Correspondent Brandy Campbell visits the World's Tallest Thermometer amid the historic heat wave that has gripped the West and parts of the Plains. California has already tied the US record for hottest March day with the heat expected to intensify even more on Friday and Saturday.
Numerous cities will be 15 to 30 degrees above average with this pattern lasting through midweek. During this period, more than 60 daily record highs are in jeopardy across 10 states, from California to Nebraska.
Bakersfield, California, is forecast to reach 102 degrees Monday.
(SOURCE GOES HERE)
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Extreme heat warnings remain in effect through Tuesday for parts of inland Southern California, while heat advisories are also in effect for portions of California’s Central Valley, including Fresno and Bakersfield.
(FOX Weather)
Currently, Las Vegas and Salt Lake City are experiencing their warmest year-to-date on record, running up to 5 degrees above average so far this year, which is expected to continue into this week.
![Las Vegas daily highs over the next 10 days.]()
Image 1 of 3Las Vegas daily highs over the next 10 days. (FOX Weather)
![Salt Lake City daily highs over the next 10 days.]()
Image 2 of 3Salt Lake City daily highs over the next 10 days. (FOX Weather)
![Phoenix daily highs over the next 10 days.]()
Image 3 of 3Phoenix daily highs over the next 10 days. (FOX Weather)
According to the FOX Forecast Center, Las Vegas typically averages highs in the mid-80s by May, but is already climbing into the triple digits.
MORE THAN 30 EARTHQUAKES RATTLE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA IN REPORTED SWARM
Temperatures across the West will begin to return closer to average beginning Wednesday, as the heat core shifts east into the Plains by late next weekend.