Sweltering Heat Rises Across The West

A dome of heat has trapped much of the western U.S. this weekend and the sweltering temperatures will continue into the start of the work week. 

A strong area of high pressure that has built over the Rockies, Great Basin and Southeast has led to very hot temperatures from Washington State to the Four Corners. High temperatures will reach the low-to-mid 90s each afternoon through Tuesday and Wednesday, but a few triple-digit high temperatures will also be possible across the Desert Southwest, northern California and southern Oregon. 

Heat Advisories can be found across much of Nevada, northern and central California, southwestern and northern Oregon, western Idaho, and eastern Washington State. Here, high temperatures reaching 95 to 105 degrees will be likely, with even a few temperatures up to 110 degrees each afternoon until Tuesday and Wednesday. Cities such as Redding, Fresno and Bakersfield, Calif., Reno, Nev., Portland, Ore., Spokane, Wash., and Caldwell, Idaho, are all included.

Additionally, Excessive Heat Watches and Warnings are also in effect across portions of southwestern Oregon, northern and south-central California, southern Nevada, and northwestern Arizona. Near cities such as Las Vegas and Death Valley, Calf., afternoon high temperature rising to 115 to even 120 degrees will be possible. Other locations such as northern California and southwestern Oregon could see temperatures reach 105 to even 110 degrees within valley areas west of the Cascades within California and Oregon.

It's important to note that with these very high and dangerous temperatures not much relief will be provided at nighttime as low temperatures only drop into the 70s and 80s overnight. If you can, avoid going outside during the hottest times of the day (mainly after 10 a.m. and before 4 p.m. in most cities).

If you must go outdoors, prepare by staying hydrated and keep a watchful eye for any signs of heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Wear the right clothing, such as loose-fitting, lightweight and breathable fabrics, and take many breaks within a cool and shaded area.

Make sure to take extra precautions for children and the elderly as they are more susceptible to heat-related illness. Never leave children or animals alone in a locked vehicle as it can become dangerous and potentially fatal. Do not forget to download the WeatherBug app to stay up to date on the latest for this dangerous western heatwave.