Heat radiates across Southwest; Death Valley endures the hottest
PHOENIX (AP) — Scorching heat radiated 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 region’s hottest this year.
A high of 124 degrees (51 Celsius) was forecast in Death Valley and was expected to nudge up a few more degrees on Thursday as Arizona and parts of California, Utah and Nevada remained under an excessive heat warning. Highs up to 111 were expected Tuesday in Las Vegas.
Phoenix was also forecast to be among the hottest urban areas in the Southwest, with highs passing 100 by midmorning and hitting 113 by early afternoon.
“The hottest weather of the year will persist the next several days with near record highs for many locations,” the National Weather Service in Phoenix said in its forecast. “After this period of hot and dry weather for the majority of the area, better moisture will arrive back into the region late in the week.”
Forecasters extended the excessive heat warning for Arizona’s Grand Canyon through Thursday, with highs in the South Rim area expected in the low 90s.
The weather agency uses a complicated formula that varies from region to region to declare an excessive heat warning, including close to record or record-breaking temperatures.
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 forecast across 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, according to the weather service office.
With some of the highest Southwest temperatures over the next few days expected in Phoenix, officials cautioned people to stay hydrated and take advantage of cooler indoor buildings.
“Nationwide, heat is the #1 heat-related killer,” the weather service in Phoenix said on its website.