Triple-digit heat returns to the West as dozens of major cities eye record-breaking temperatures
After March's historic heat, extreme temperatures are surging across the West once more, threatening to topple over 60 daily records by Wednesday.
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.
In fact, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that March was the warmest on record across the Lower 48.
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More than 1,200 locations recorded one of their 10 warmest Marches ever, while nearly 400 experienced their warmest March on record.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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