August 21, 2025

Get ready to sweat, America! A fierce heatwave is baking the US Southwest, targeting more than 80 million people with scorching temperatures this week. From Wednesday through the weekend, sizzling triple-digit heat will scorch Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. Meteorologists at the National Weather Service (NWS) are waving red flags, warning of a "dangerous heat wave" as hot air settles over the region. What’s cooking? A strong high-pressure ridge over the Four Corners states is turning the heat up with no signs of relief soon. The NWS says, "An anomalously strong ridge of high pressure centered over the Four Corners states will lead to a significant heat wave." Southern California is feeling the burn too with extreme heat warnings from Los Angeles to San Diego and Orange counties. Big city sizzles: Phoenix is forecasted to hit a scorching 112°F on Friday. Not far behind, Las Vegas could see thermometers climb to 110°F, while Death Valley’s Furnace Creek Visitor's Center braces for a near-record 120°F! These heat warnings will stick around until Saturday night, so keep your cool. “It’s dangerous heat,” cautions the NWS. “This dangerous level of heat will pose a threat to anyone without effective cooling and adequate hydration. Highs into the 90s across the region still affect those sensitive to heat or doing hard outdoor work.” In Arizona’s Maricopa County alone, 44 deaths linked to heat have been reported recently. The clock is ticking! Los Angeles is taking no chances. Mayor Karen Bass announced plans to open cooling centers citywide, while Governor Gavin Newsom is sending firefighting teams into the zone. Newsom said, “Extreme summer weather is returning to California this week. Now is the time to check the forecasts for your area and prepare for higher temperatures and dangerous fire weather.” He also highlighted efforts to protect homes from wildfires while residents sweat it out. To beat the heat, keep hydrated, stay indoors with air conditioning, and watch over the elderly and neighbors. The NWS Hanford office advises, "Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke." But don’t lose hope! A cold front will arrive Thursday, cooling down the central US with highs dropping into the 80s. Meanwhile, the Southwest can expect late-week storms fueled by returning monsoonal moisture, as revealed by NWS Las Vegas: "High pressure has returned to the Four Corners, which will result in temps increasing through Friday as well as the return of SE monsoonal flow aloft. The return of monsoonal flow will transport moisture into the area, which will help to fuel late week storms." So, this week is all about beating the heat and staying safe while the Southwest bakes. Drink water, find shade, and keep fans and air conditioners running. The heat is here – and it means business!

Read More at Economictimes →

Tags: Heatwave, Us southwest, National weather service, Extreme heat warning, Temperature rise, Fire weather,