This news comes as large swaths of the southwestern states in the West have recently been hit by thunderstorms of rare intensity and torrential rains.
A “dangerous” heat wave set in on Tuesday in the southwestern United States, with very high temperatures expected for the rest of the week. Meteorologists say the mercury could reach 44 degrees in suburban Los Angeles as a heat dome takes hold in parts of California, Nevada and Arizona.
“Dangerously hot conditions are expected all week,” the US weather service said.
“A prolonged period of excessive heat will significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for people working or participating in outdoor activities,” they added.
At least until Monday
Nighttime temperatures are not expected to be much lower so will not offer much respite. The heat was already sweltering Tuesday in and around Los Angeles and it’s just the beginning, according to David Sweet, a meteorologist in Oxnard, Calif.
“We have a heat wave that will start on Wednesday and continue until at least Monday of next week,” he said.
“During this period, we will have conditions warm enough that there is an excessive heat alert,” he added.
It’s not unusual for Southern California to experience heat waves in September, but temperatures above 37 or 38 degrees are considered very hot even for an almost always sunny region.
