The National Weather Service (NWS) issued heat alerts for several regions across six states early on Tuesday morning, advising residents to take steps to protect themselves from extreme heat. The warnings focus on areas in the southwestern United States, where temperatures are predicted to reach as high as 118°F.
These dangerously hot conditions are expected to impact locations such as southwest Arizona, southeast California, and southern California.
Newsweek reported that the NWS has emphasized the importance of staying hydrated, avoiding sun exposure, and remaining in air-conditioned spaces during this heat wave, which poses significant health risks.
Heat Warnings Issued for Multiple States
The NWS has issued extreme heat warnings for southeast California, southern Nevada, and central, southern, and northwestern Arizona. With temperatures forecasted to reach up to 118°F, the region is facing what the NWS describes as “dangerously hot conditions.” The agency emphasized that people should “drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.”
Health Risks From Extreme Heat
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned that extreme heat can cause heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and dehydration, especially in vulnerable populations, including older adults, young children, and those with preexisting health conditions. The CDC also noted that extreme heat is responsible for more than 700 deaths in the U.S. each year.
Common symptoms of heat-related illnesses include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, dizziness, and nausea. These symptoms should be addressed immediately to prevent serious health issues.
Other Affected Areas and Lesser Heat Advisories
In addition to the extreme heat warnings, less severe heat advisories have been issued for southern Florida, parts of western Texas, and New Mexico. In these areas, heat index values are expected to reach up to 110°F.
In Chaves County (Roswell), temperatures could reach 105°F, while the Albuquerque metropolitan area may see temperatures around 100°F. Brewster County, Texas, could experience temperatures as high as 112°F.
The NWS also advised people not to leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles, as car interiors can quickly reach lethal temperatures.
Public Response and Safety Measures
Authorities advise people in affected areas to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure, and check on vulnerable family members and neighbors. The NWS also emphasized the danger of leaving children and pets in vehicles, as “car interiors will very quickly reach lethal temperatures.”
The extreme heat warnings are expected to remain in effect until 8 p.m. MDT/PDT on Friday, with further updates provided by the NWS. The NWS forecast office in Phoenix, Arizona, reported that many locations topped the 110°F mark, and temperatures are expected to climb further, with record heat anticipated by midweek.
Meanwhile, the NWS office in Midland, Texas, noted that a new record high of 105°F was reached at the Midland International Air & Space Port, breaking the old record of 104°F set in 2003 and 1943. Despite not being under a Heat Advisory, caution was advised for those doing outdoor work or activities.
