September is bringing continued heat to much of the western United States, with heat warnings expected to impact 26 million people, primarily in the Southwest. Areas such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Phoenix could see temperatures 10 to 20 degrees above normal starting Tuesday and peaking on Thursday. This is due to a mass of warm air pushing down on the Earth’s surface, known as an upper-level ridge, strengthening over the Southwest and blocking cool air from the Pacific Ocean. This setup is creating conditions for dangerous heat from California’s Central Valley to the U.S.-Mexico border at Arizona.
The National Weather Service has warned of above-average temperatures spanning much of the West Coast, potentially setting a few daily records. Local officials, such as Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of residents. Resources, including additional cooling centers, emergency operations personnel, hydration stations, and shade structures, are being made available to help people cope with the extreme heat. In addition, a dedicated cooling center in Skid Row is open 24 hours to provide access to drinking water and showers for those in need.
Excessive heat warnings were expected to be in effect from Wednesday through Friday for most of Southern California’s most populous counties, as well as for the Inland Empire extending nearly to Las Vegas. The warnings covered areas from the U.S.-Mexico border up the coast to near San Simeon, California, as well as eastward into Arizona and Southern Nevada. Residents in these areas are urged to stay indoors, drink plenty of fluids, and check on their neighbors, as the heat poses a significant threat to life.
In Las Vegas, where this summer has been declared the hottest on record, a lower-level excessive heat watch was scheduled for midweek with temperatures reaching as high as 108 degrees. Similarly, an excessive heat watch was issued for Phoenix, where dangerously hot conditions were possible towards the end of the week. The National Weather Service emphasized the importance of staying hydrated, staying in air-conditioned rooms, and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun during such extreme heat events.
While the West Coast braces for scorching temperatures, the East Coast is expected to maintain normal to below-normal temperatures, and the Gulf Coast of Texas could experience thunderstorms. The dry, windy conditions in the northern Plains states, including Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota, are a concern and have led to a federal “critical fire weather” forecast for the workweek. These areas are at risk of wildfires due to the combination of dry vegetation and windy weather conditions.
Overall, the western United States is facing a prolonged heatwave that is expected to peak towards the end of the week, posing significant challenges for residents and local authorities. With the potential for record-breaking temperatures and dangerous heat levels, it is crucial for people in affected areas to take precautions, stay cool, and stay hydrated. The extreme heat also highlights the importance of preparedness and community support in mitigating the impact of such weather events on vulnerable populations.
