This week, an early heatwave has gripped much of the western U.S., especially California and the Southwest, with temperatures soaring above 90°F in Southern California and reaching triple digits in parts of Arizona and Nevada. Approximately 39 million people are under heat warnings, with the National Weather Service attributing the heat to a dome of high pressure settling over the region. Daily records for high temperatures are expected to be set across major cities.
Los Angeles could hit highs of 98°F, while Phoenix might reach up to 105°F by Thursday. Many cities are projected to experience temperatures more than 20°F above normal, resembling summer rather than mid-March. This phenomenon is notable for both its timing and intensity, with concerns about prolonged heat leading to health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.
As the West faces this heat, it’s exacerbating a significant snow drought and raising worries about wildfire risks and water supply later in the year. In contrast, a major winter storm is impacting the upper Midwest with heavy snow, while Hawaii is grappling with severe flooding due to a persistent atmospheric river.
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