Strong Heat Builds Over The West, South | WeatherBug
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Strong Heat Builds Over The West, South

July 11, 2022
UPDATED By WeatherBug's Richard Romkee
Highs in the 90s and 100s will become more widespread across the western U.S. this week as sultry weather remains in the southern Plains.

A large ridge of high pressure has settled over the Four Corners region, which will be the main driver for extreme heat this week. Moisture from the Gulf of Mexico will also remain in place across the southern Plains, setting the stage for heat index values as high as 115 degrees mainly for portions of Texas and southwestern Louisiana.

Excessive Heat Warnings have been issued for locations in and around Austin, Abilene, and Waco, Texas, with Heat Advisories in place for most of southern Texas including Houston, Dallas, Midland, and Corpus Christi as well as for Lake Charles, La., and Carlsbad, N.M.

Intense heat will be seen across the Desert Southwest in addition to unusual heat for the Pacific Northwest and northern California. Fortunately, these regions will not have to deal with high heat index values, but temperatures will still be 10 to 20 degrees above average for this time of year in both regions.

An Excessive Heat Warning has been issued for the Desert Southwest, including Phoenix and Imperial, Ariz., as well as the Grand Canyon, for high temperatures ranging from 108 to 119 degrees. A Heat Advisory has been issued for northern California and southwestern Oregon for temperatures ranging from 92 to 105 degrees with the highest temperatures being found in southern Oregon.

Over the next few days, the area of high pressure over the West Coast will slowly move east, baking the Rockies for the start of the week and eventually bringing intense heat back to the Plains by Wednesday and Thursday sending highs back into the 90s and 100s across the region. Temperatures will still be hot for Texas and Arizona all week, though not as hot as over the weekend.

If you cannot avoid being outdoors, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, take breaks often and wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. This type of heat may lead to heat-related illnesses like heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

It is important to check on those who are considered at a higher risk for heat-related illnesses, such as the elderly, children, and pets. Make sure to increase the intake of water and check the backseat before locking and leaving your vehicle.