The long-lasting heat wave in the Southwest comes after a hot June that included several weeks of dangerously high temperatures and humidity in Texas and across the South.
Climate change is expected to make relentless heat spells more common in the future. Studies have shown that global warming is increasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme heat events.
Forecasts show the ongoing heat wave will continue to scorch the Southwest this week and into next, spreading across the southern part of the United States.
“Numerous heat-related advisories/watches/advisories are in effect from Florida to Texas to California,” the weather service said Tuesday.
Dangerously hot conditions are forecast to engulf much of Nevada later in the week and into the weekend.
“We don’t want to sound like a broken record, but it’s important for you to know that dangerous heat is coming.” officials with the The Las Vegas office of the NWS tweeted Tuesday. “Temperatures later this week may challenge all-time and daily records, with little to no relief overnight. Major anticipates Extreme HeatRisk!”
Temperatures in Las Vegas can hit 116 F several times over the next week. Forecast temperatures in Death Valley National Park, which straddles Nevada and California, could rise to nearly 130 F over the weekend. according to the National Metereological Service.
In some parts of Florida, heat index values, which represent how conditions feel when humidity and air temperature are combined, will range between 105 and 110 F. High heat and humidity is also expected to spread from eastern Texas to the southern and central plains. in the middle of the week
Widespread excessive heat warnings will go into effect in California later this week as temperatures are forecast to hit the 90s and triple digits in some places.
