Western U.S. Braces for Record Heatwave

A looming “heat dome” is poised to engulf California, Arizona, and several other Western states this week, heralding potentially record-breaking temperatures. This weather phenomenon, known for exacerbating droughts, water shortages, and fatalities in Mexico, is expected to bring scorching heat to the U.S., prompting meteorologists to issue excessive heat watches for several states.

The National Weather Service’s 6-10 Day Temperature Outlook forecasts above-normal temperatures for states such as Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. The Central Valley is expected to see highs exceeding 100 degrees starting Wednesday, while southern California’s desert areas could see temperatures around 120 degrees, particularly in Death Valley by the end of the week.

Arizona, including Phoenix, is under an excessive heat watch from Wednesday to Friday, with temperatures forecasted to reach 110 degrees for the first time this season. Similarly, parts of west Texas near the Mexico border are bracing for triple-digit temperatures up to 113 degrees, while south Texas could experience a heat index of 115.

The “heat dome” phenomenon, originating from Mexico, is a high-pressure system that traps warm air, resulting in prolonged periods of dry, hot weather and minimal cloud formation. AccuWeather explains that this system, by preventing cloud cover, leads to increased sunshine that further elevates temperatures.

This heatwave could be the prelude to a scorching summer, with the National Weather Service predicting above-average temperatures for most of the U.S. through August. The Southwest and West are anticipated to bear the brunt of the heat.

Mexico has already endured the brunt of this heat dome, with record-breaking temperatures causing widespread impacts including droughts, power outages, water shortages, and tragic fatalities. Since March, nearly 50 people have died from heat strokes and dehydration, while hundreds more have suffered from heat-related illnesses. Tragically, approximately 157 howler monkeys have succumbed to heat stroke, alongside numerous other animal deaths in an ecology park due to dehydration.

The heat dome’s effects on Mexico are exacerbated by its worst drought since 2011, with 82% of the country experiencing unusually dry conditions. The country recorded its highest temperature under the dome at 124 degrees, just shy of the all-time record of 125.6 degrees set in July 1995.

This heat dome may also be influencing severe storms in the South, according to AccuWeather, which can create “rings of fire” resulting in intense thunderstorms and tornadoes. Jeff Berardelli, the chief meteorologist and climate expert for WFLA-TV, noted this phenomenon, underscoring the wide-reaching impacts of such extreme weather patterns.