Heat dome to push temperatures above 110°F across U.S. Southwest
The National Weather Service warns that a persistent high-pressure system will keep daytime highs near 115°F in parts of the Southwest through early September, raising health concerns.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said a strong upper-level ridge will remain anchored over the southwestern United States into late August and early September, trapping hot air and limiting nighttime cooling. Forecasts call for daytime temperatures of 110-115°F (43-46°C) across much of the region, with highs of 100-110°F expected in the Southern Plains.
The agency classified the outlook as an Extreme Heat Risk, noting that limited relief at night could increase heat-related illness, especially for people who are unable to stay hydrated or cool down. The NWS advised residents to limit outdoor activity, drink plenty of fluids, wear loose clothing and check on vulnerable individuals such as older adults and children.
In addition to the heat, the service expects “monsoonal moisture” to bring scattered showers and thunderstorms to the Southwest, the Rocky Mountains and parts of the Plains. Some municipalities, including Los Angeles, plan to open cooling centers for residents.
Researchers cited in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences linked the rising frequency of extreme summer weather, including heatwaves and wildfires, to climate change, emphasizing broader trends in mid-latitude weather patterns.