Heat Dome Strengthens and Expands Across Southwest, Putting Records in Danger of Falling

Posted: July 12, 2023 10:44 am

A persistent heat dome anchored over the Southwestern corner of the U.S. has put over 50 million people under some level of heat advisory or warning as the mercury approaches record levels. Here is the latest steamy weather forecast.

Extreme Heat Setting in Across the Southwest

Daily high records may fall this week in the Southwest as the mercury continues to climb beyond levels that even this part of the nation is not accustomed to seeing. A stubborn heat dome is to blame for the extreme warmth that is not expected to let up anytime soon.

In addition to putting thousands of vulnerable people at risk of heat-related illnesses, the heat will also likely strain the taxed energy grids that are trying to keep up with cooling demands.

While this region is certainly used to triple digit heat in July, the temperatures will go beyond the norm. Not only will the large area of high pressure create extreme heat but it will limit the amount of moisture that sneaks into the sea.

The temperature has been increasing in recent days with even more intense heat in the forecast heading into the weekend. Forecasters are also warning that the heat will stretch into the central U.S. and the Southeast by early next week, putting even more people in the danger zone.

A number of daily high records will be challenged as the mercury continues to climb. Phoenix is at risk of seeing the temperature surpass the 120-degree mark on Thursday. These readings will be the result of a northward bulge in the jet stream combining with the current zone of high pressure to reinforce the already scorching heat.

Complicating the heat of the day will be the fact that the overnight lows are not likely to fall below 90 degrees for several days in a row in the Valley of the Sun. This is different from the usual lows in the 70s and 80s this time of the year in the desert.

One element that could prevent the heat from reaching this threshold would be the formation of scattered thunderstorms. However, meteorologists are predicting that the high pressure in place will prevent storms.

Heat Extends Into Texas

El Paso, Texas also saw a record fall last weekend when the city in the western part of the Lone Star State notched a reading over the century mark for the 24th day in a row. The previous record of 23 straight days went back to 1994. These readings are predicted to linger over El Paso through at least the weekend, putting the new record even further out of reach.

As is typical, the hottest temperatures in the nation will likely happen in Death Valley, California. The mercury is expected to climb into the 120s on Wednesday. Death Valley may even crack the 130-degree barrier by the weekend. Overnight lows will bottom out in the upper 90s as this heat becomes more intense and widespread.

In addition to being uncomfortable, the heat can also cause serious health concerns. What is most worrisome to local officials will be the high overnight low temperatures. These dangers are more pronounced in urban areas such as Phoenix and Las Vegas.

This is because heat has a tendency to become trapped in areas with a large amount of concrete and asphalt. These surfaces trap the heat and continue to release it well after the sun sets.

Prospects of Moisture in the Forecast

You will be hard-pressed to find any meaningful chances of moisture throughout this part of the West in the coming days. Forecasters are expecting the heat dome to remain in place across the Four Corners area, limiting the amount of rain that can move across the arid landscape.

The exception will be a chance of afternoon thunderstorms in parts of Arizona and New Mexico this week.

However, any storms that do pop up will be spotty in nature. These potential storms will also carry the risk of dry lightning that could aggravate the wildfire situation. Any lightning that strikes the dry vegetation will be more likely to ignite fires and spread quickly.

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