Weeklong Heat Wave Loosens Grip Slightly On US Southwest But Forecasters Still Urge Caution

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico – The weeklong heat wave that scorched most of the United States Southwest in temperatures well into the triple digits is nearing its end, but forecasts warn that there will be little reprieve from the heat until monsoon thunderstorms arrive, which is expected in July.

Temperatures are predicted to decline somewhat over the weekend, with Phoenix and Las Vegas failing to set new records. However, an excessive heat warning remains in effect in Las Vegas until Saturday, when temperatures have never been higher this time of year. On Friday, the temperature in Las Vegas reached a record high of 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 degrees Celsius), Phoenix reached 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius), and Albuquerque reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius).

Heat Wave | AP News Image

Weeklong Heat Wave Loosens Grip Slightly On US Southwest But Forecasters Still Urge Caution

Even in Florida, National Weather Service forecasts cautioned on Saturday that heat indices in Miami and other places would reach triple digits. Heat indices indicate how the temperature feels to the human body when relative humidity and air temperature are combined.

Record-high temperatures were also forecast through the weekend in central Florida, where numerous municipalities had already completed their warmest May on record, with temperatures ranging from 3 to 4 degrees above average.

Forecasters also issued heat advisories in deep West Texas and along the US-Mexico border but cautioned that the highs would be slightly lower than the previous days.

The heat arrived weeks earlier than usual, even at higher elevations, generally a dozen degrees cooler. That includes Reno, Nevada, where the average high of 81 F (27 C) for this time of year surged to a record 98 F (37 C) on Thursday and 98 F again Friday but fell short of the daily record of 100 F (37.7 C).

Heat Wave | AP News Image

Weeklong Heat Wave Loosens Grip Slightly On US Southwest But Forecasters Still Urge Caution

John Adair, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Las Vegas, said it’s not uncommon for sections of the Southwest to heat up quickly, particularly in the second half of June.

“So this is a hot time of year before we start to get some moisture and cloud cover from the monsoon thunderstorms that come around,” he explained. “Even for next weekend, we’re forecast to hover around 105, 106, which is just slightly above normal at that point.”

Monsoon thunderstorms in the Southwest usually peak during the first week of July.

There have been no reports of heat-related deaths or significant injuries in the region, although a 68-year-old man was hospitalized in stable condition in Phoenix on Friday after suffering heat exhaustion while hiking on a mountain route and being rescued by firefighters.

In Nevada, the Clark County Fire Department stated on Friday that it received 20 calls for heat exposure over a three-day period, 12 of which resulted in hospitalization. Eight of the calls arrived on Friday.

The fire service reported that cooling centers, such as community centers and libraries, remained open on Saturday for people seeking relief from the heat.

Heat Wave | AP News Image

Weeklong Heat Wave Loosens Grip Slightly On US Southwest But Forecasters Still Urge Caution

With heat records already broken in May and June, this year’s heat-related mortality could be higher than the previous year. According to an Associated Press study of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, more than 2,300 people died in the United States this summer as a result of exposure to severe heat, the greatest amount in 45 years.

SOURCE – (AP)