Millions face dangerous heat in California, Arizona and Nevada as record March temps blamed on climate change sweep the Southwest.
Unprecedented for the Season, according to a report released Friday by World Weather Attribution, an international group of scientists who study the causes of extreme weather events. Experts warn that April, May, and June are likely to be hotter than normal almost everywhere in the country, raising concerns about a prolonged and dangerous warm season ahead.
Triple-digit temperatures typically do not arrive until May—making this week's conditions a stark indicator of shifting climate patterns.Temperatures at or above 100 degrees were forecast across the Southwest on Saturday, capping a remarkable week of record-breaking heat. The Yuma Desert in southwestern Arizona reached 112 degrees Friday—the highest March temperature ever recorded in the U.S.—and was forecast to hit 105 degrees Saturday. Two locations in Southern California also reached 112 degrees Friday. TheIn Nevada, parts of the southern region were forecast to see temperatures roughly 30 degrees above seasonal averages through Sunday. In the Midwest, Nebraska saw temperatures exceeding 90 degrees, though a sharp drop to the 50s and 60s was expected Sunday. A red flag warning—indicating elevated wildfire risk—was also posted for parts of the region. Parts of Texas also reached 90 degrees or higher Saturday. The NWS issued guidance urging residents in California, Arizona, and Nevada to stay out of the sun during peak hours, drink adequate water, limit outdoor activity to early morning or evening, and never leave children or pets in unattended vehicles, warning that"car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes." The NWS also cautioned that"the very young, the very old, those without air conditioning, and that active outdoors" face the highest risk of heat-related illness. Hikers in northern Arizona's Grand Canyon were advised to exit the canyon between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., with the NWS warning that"most individuals will be at risk for heat-related illnesses without effective cooling or adequate hydration.""We know our limits. We can't hike when our bodies can't cool down. There's no shade out there, and water sources are drying up. We promised our kids we wouldn't do sketchy stuff. We're not out there for a search-and-rescue event.""A rare March heat wave is ongoing, resulting in much above-normal temperatures to the Southwest. New record maximums have been observed across Central California so far, with more heat on the way to round out the week."The Extreme Heat Warning is in effect for Southeastern California and now includes Southern Arizona. The Extreme Heat Warning will go through Sunday, March 22nd.""Temperatures may be rising but our records are falling as our historic heatwave continues this week. Here is the latest update on what records have broken so far with more to follow this week! Stay cool, California.""Amarillo reached 93 degrees at 12:17 PM. This breaks the record high temperature of 92 degrees set in 1907! The all-time record for the month of March in Amarillo in 96 degrees set on March 19 and 20, 1907. This record still looks to be in jeopardy today."The NWS advises everyone in all affected areas to be vigilant and familiarize themselves with the signs and symptoms of heatstroke, as the extreme heat could cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion. The agency has urged people in affected areas to drink plenty, stay inside out of the sun, exercise in the mornings or evenings, when it’s cooler, and never leave pets or children unattended in vehicles as"car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes."Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.
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