Early heat wave hits Yuma, but relief in store next week
Those venturing out this St. Patrick ‘s Day weekend may want to dip their toes and tread in water to cool off as the Southwest is experiencing a March heat wave and Yuma is no exception.
Those within the community have been seeing temperatures in the mid-90s. As it is nearing late March, the heat is seemingly poking its head out to greet those within the Southwest early this year.
“It’s just a trend that we’ve been seeing for Arizona,” said
Travis Wilson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service (NWS) in Phoenix. “The heat’s coming earlier and lasting longer.”
Wilson explained that a strong high pressure has been bringing heat to “all the western United States.” According to the NWS website, high pressure systems circulate clockwise and the circulation causes a sinking motion in the atmosphere, resulting in fair/clearer and often sunnier skies.
Today, the NWS shows a high near 96 with a calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the morning.
This weekend, Yumans can expect a hot, dry heat, Wilson said. He noted that Saturday will be the peak of the heat wave, with a chance of breaking a local record for the heat at this time of year.
Saturday’s NWS Detailed Forecast shows a high of 96 with the potential of reach- ing 97. An east southeast wind five to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon is also expected.
With the sun shining for a bright and sunny day Saturday, visitors of outdoor festivities such as the Yuma Air Show may want to wear plenty of sunscreen and stay hydrated.
A bit of a cool down is in store for Sunday following the early heat-wave’s peak. The NWS forecast has mostly sunny skies in store with a high near 93.
The main relief from the heat will occur when “a trough from the Pacific (Ocean) is expected to bring the temperatures down,” Wilson said.
Monday is currently showing a high near 90 and Tuesday a high near 84. The trough may also bring in a chance for precipitation, though Wilson said that it is still too early to tell.
“At this point it doesn’t look like anything substantial. The main effect really is cooling us off.”