124 degrees forecast for Death Valley

PHOENIX — Scorching weather swept across the U.S. Southwest on Tuesday, with the highest temperatures expected in California’s Death Valley during a week that forecasters say could prove to be the hottest in the region this year.

A high of 124 degrees was forecast in Death Valley and was expected to nudge up a few more degrees on Thursday as Arizona and parts of California and Utah remained under an excessive heat warning.

Phoenix was forecast to be among the hottest urban areas in the Southwest, with highs 113 by early afternoon.

In California, power grid operators called for cutbacks in electricity usage as parts of the U.S. Southwest dealt with another day of scorching heat.

With triple-digit temperatures expected throughout the region, the California Independent System Operator Corp. urged people to ease off blasting air conditioners or using washing machines or other appliances during the peak power usage times of 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health also urged people to stay out of the sun.

“When temperatures are high, even a few hours of exertion may cause severe dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” said Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, the county’s interim health officer.

Children, the elderly and pets shouldn’t be left in homes without air conditioning or in cars even with open windows because temperatures can quickly soar to life-threatening levels, he said.

Phoenix on Monday recorded a sweltering 115 degrees, breaking the previous record for the day, the National Weather Service reported.