Weather maps depict the scorching temperatures expected to roast parts of the country as a heat dome is set to bring triple digits in parts of California and the West this week.
Despite the official start of summer being weeks away, it will feel like July across much of the West as temperatures rise 20 degrees or more above average , marking the highest temperatures of the year so far for many locations.
Excessive heat warnings have been issued for over 17 million people in California , Nevada , Utah , and Arizona this week. These warnings, the most severe form of heat alert issued by the National Weather Service , are used when widespread, dangerous heat is anticipated.
READ MORE: Map shows parts of US set for brutally hot summer in latest NOAA forecast
READ MORE: Hurricane season may be more dangerous than ever this year due to rising ocean temperatures
Dangerous heat will commence Tuesday afternoon in parts of California and extend its reach into more of the Southwest by Wednesday as a heat dome settles over the West. It will then spread to the Pacific Northwest by late week.
While the most extreme heat will bypass major population centers along the coast, Los Angeles will still experience temperatures 5 to 10 degrees warmer than usual this week.
The Central Valley will experience widespread triple-digit temperatures from Wednesday and persisting into the weekend. Southern California's desert regions are also set to sizzle.
Death Valley, known as the world's hottest place, is predicted to hit a high of at least 120 degrees by Thursday, a temperature usually not seen until mid-to-late June. The Southwest will begin to heat up by Wednesday, with parts of southern Arizona and far southern Nevada nearing 110 degrees.
Phoenix is expected to reach 110 degrees for the first time this year by Thursday, even though these temperatures are typically not seen until mid-June. Las Vegas is forecasted to see temperatures climb into the low 110s, over three weeks earlier than usual.
This early summer-like heat threatens to break daily high-temperature records across a significant portion of the West this week. Cities like Phoenix; Las Vegas; Flagstaff, Arizona; Reno, Nevada; and Fresno, California, could all see record-breaking high temperatures.
By Friday, records could be shattered in parts of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Colorado as the heat expands north and east. Fire danger will also increase as the heat peaks.
What is a heat dome?
The scorching temperatures are due to a heat dome, a large area of high pressure that settles over an area, trapping air and heating it with abundant sunshine for days or weeks. The resulting heat intensifies the longer a heat dome persists.
High temperatures and low humidity levels will dry out quick-burning fuels such as grasses and brush, making them more susceptible to ignition. Breezy winds are expected at times, particularly in California throughout the week.
These conditions make it easier for fires to start and spread. The Corral Fire has engulfed over 14,000 acres of land in California's San Joaquin county since it sparked south of Tracy on Saturday afternoon.
Click here to follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sport and entertainment stories.
Residents were ordered to evacuate over the weekend as the fire, initially fueled by gusty winds and dry, hot conditions, posed a threat to communities. Firefighters gained control as winds calmed down on Sunday and Monday, and by Tuesday morning, the blaze was 90% contained, according to CAL Fire.
Evacuation warnings were lifted on Monday evening as containment increased, per CAL Fire. Officials have urged residents to stay alert and be prepared for potential changes in the fire risk level.
Two Alameda County firefighters sustained injuries while responding to the fire, Cal Fire Battalion Chief Josh Silveira told CNN early Sunday morning. They suffered minor to moderate injuries and were taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment, Silveira said.
A section of I-580 was shut down in both directions over the weekend as thick smoke from the fire blanketed the roadway. All lanes were reopened on Sunday night, according to the California Department of Transportation. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, according to CAL Fire.
Most Popular
Comments / 0