Records May Fall Across Southwest as Unrelenting Heat Sets In

Posted: June 7, 2022 10:26 am

Little to No Moisture Will Exacerbate Drought Conditions

What are already sizzling temperatures throughout the Desert Southwest are going to climb even higher by the end of the week, ushering in the hottest weather of the year so far in this corner of the U.S.

Daily High Records in Danger as Jet Stream Retreats North

It will feel more like the dog days of summer in the southwestern U.S. late this week with the possibility of many daily high records falling as the mercury hits unprecedented levels for the second week of June. The heat will come at the hands of a strengthening northward bulge in the jet stream toward the end of the week. While temperatures are already at the century mark for many cities in the Southwest to start the week, this heat will expand by Thursday, Friday, and through the weekend.

The weather may be good news for those looking to relax by the pool. However, the rapid rise in the temperatures so early in the year will undoubtedly put a strain on the area’s power grid, bringing the possibility of blackouts. Cities such as Palm Springs and Phoenix are forecast to soar over 110 degrees for the first time in 2022, necessitating an increased demand on cooling systems.

Comparing This Weather to the Averages

It typically takes Phoenix until June 18 to hit 110 degrees for the first time of the season. However, over the last 20 years, this average has moved up to June 8. This means that this heatwave is arriving right on time when compared to more recent weather trends.

Forecasters are warning that some records may fall as the temperature approaches readings not seen at this time of the year for the last 50 years. For example, the average high for Flagstaff, Arizona for this time of the year hovers in the mid-70s due to the city’s high elevation. The June 10 daily record of 87 degrees has stood the test of time for 112 years, however, forecasters are predicting that the mercury may inch closer to 90 degrees by Friday in Flagstaff.

Death Valley, California, is predicted to hit the upper 110s by the weekend, a temperature that would feel miserable to anyone. The readings will be on the upswing in the Golden State’s Central Valley as well with daytime highs forecast to land around 100 degrees or higher for areas such as Sacramento and Fresno on Friday and Saturday. The fact that the heat is expected to hang around for days will exacerbate the strain on California’s already vulnerable power grid.

Health experts are warning residents to keep a close eye on elderly and medically vulnerable friends and family members. Outdoor activities should be avoided during the hottest portions of the afternoon hours for all individuals, especially those with underlying health conditions. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids to counteract the heat. Be sure to take the proper steps to protect pets, bringing them indoors, if possible.

Dry Weather Also to be the Norm

Although the weather pattern is predicted to be mostly dry up and down this portion of the West Coast, there is an elevated chance of sporadic thunderstorms in the higher terrains of Arizona and New Mexico toward the end of the week. Unfortunately, these thunderstorms will produce very little in the way of significant moisture to the drought-stricken region. There is also always the chance of wildfires being started at the hands of these dry thunderstorms.

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