Heat Wave on the Way for the West Over Next Several Days

Posted: August 30, 2022 10:26 am

Heat Wave Continues in Southwest United States / Image provided by Ethan Miller/Getty Images News via Getty Images

Unlike some areas of the U.S. that have been enduring intense heat over the last few weeks, the West has remained relatively moderate. The frequent bouts of precipitation at the hands of the Northern American monsoon season have kept the temperatures somewhat suppressed in recent weeks throughout the Southwest, however forecasters are warning that a heat wave is in the cards this week for many portions of the western U.S.

Temperatures Below Average in Many Areas of the Southwest This Month

Those residents living in the Southwest have not had a lot of reasons to complain about the weather this August. For instance, the temperatures in August have hovered around 2 degrees below average for Phoenix. While the Valley of the Sun typically sees readings around 105 degrees in August, there have been many days where the highs remained in the 90s. Other cities that have seen temperatures below normal for August include Las Vegas and Albuquerque.

Different Story in Northwest

It has been a different story in the Northwest where temperatures are running slightly higher than normal. In addition to the abnormally dry conditions, the mercury has also skewed higher in recent weeks. For instance, the daily average in Portland is running about 4 degrees higher than usual. Temperatures have also registered higher than usual in Seattle and Salt Lake City.

A lack of rain has combined with the heat to raise the risk of wildfires. Oregon has seen a particularly high amount of fires in recent weeks. The impending heat wave is likely to exacerbate these conditions and the resulting wildfire risks.

What to Expect This Week

A large area of high pressure is forecast to build over the region this week, sending the mercury climbing higher in the days to come. Moisture will be hard to come by thanks to the high pressure and its resulting heat dome shoving the jet stream to the north.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has already issued excessive heat watches for portions of Arizona, Nevada, and Southern California. These watches are scheduled to go into effect starting Tuesday morning and will not expire until Sunday evening. The lack of precipitation will also make the temperatures increase further because dry air tends to heat up at a faster clip than humid air.

When and Where Will the Heat be the Most Intense?

The increase in the heat will start to become noticeable on Tuesday and Wednesday for the bulk of the region. The highest temperatures readings will be positioned over the Desert Southwest and up through the Central Valley of California. Here you will find widespread readings in the triple digits.

California cities that can expect prolonged readings over the century mark include Fresno and Palm Springs. The heat will feel the most relentless in areas such as Palm Springs where overnight lows may not even see the 80s.

Not surprisingly, Death Valley, California is expected to see some of the warmest temperature readings. Temperatures are predicted to hit 117 degrees on Wednesday with a forecast high of 119 on Thursday and Friday.

While not nearly as toasty as the forecast for Death Valley, it will also feel unseasonably warm for Portland, Oregon. The Rose City is forecast to see the worst of the heat on Tuesday with an anticipated high of 96 degrees, putting it within striking distance of the record high of 98 degrees dating all the way back to 1987. Portland’s neighbor to the north, Seattle, will also see the warmest readings of the week on Tuesday with a high of 88 degrees in the cards. This reading is about 10 degrees above average for the end of August.

Keep in mind that cities such as Seattle and Portland are particularly vulnerable to the heat. Because many buildings and homes are not air conditioned, it is more difficult for residents to handle the heat. This is especially true for schools as kids head back to school this week in many of these impacted areas.

Heat to Expand Later in the Week

The temperatures will expand to the east later in the week, bringing the uncomfortable heat to the northern Plains by Wednesday and Thursday. This heat will continue throughout the Southwest and parts of California as it eases in the Northwest. Another stream of hot air will filter in over the weekend, impacting the majority of the western half of the country. Other cities that should prepare for readings up to 15 degrees above normal include Bozeman, Montana and Minneapolis.

The excessive heat will not do the current drought any favors. According to the latest data from the U.S. Drought Monitor, almost all of California, Nevada, and Utah are under some designation of a drought. The drought has been slightly relieved in the Southwest thanks to the monsoonal moisture as of late, however, more moisture is certainly needed in this corner of the U.S.

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