Scorching Heat Bakes Southwest, South-Central U.S. | WeatherBug
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Scorching Heat Bakes Southwest, South-Central U.S.

August 22, 2019
UPDATED By WeatherBug's Erik Gates
Fall is nowhere in sight across California and the southwest, while the southern Plains and Southeast
will finally begin to feel some relief.

A large ridge of high pressure will remain anchored over the southern Rockies Thursday, which will keep the heat locked in place from California and the Southwest. 

Places like Phoenix and Death Valley, Calif., will see highs in the 110 to 120-degree range Thursday, while the rest of the Southwest and interior southern California can expect the mercury to easily climb to the 95 to 100-degree range. Interior northern and central California will record temperatures in the 90s Thursday, but even hotter highs will be possible Friday.  Those needing a reprieve from the oppressive heat should head to the beach as temperatures will max out in the 70s to 80s from north to south.

Excessive Heat Warnings stretch across much of California and the Southwest, including Death Valley and Palm Springs, Calif., Las Vegas, and Phoenix. A Heat Advisory is also in place across parts of central Arizona.

Several high temperature record were broken today. Phoenix reached 114 degrees, breaking the daily temperature record of 110 degrees, Tucson also shattered its daily record as the mercury reached 110 degrees.

At the same time, high temperatures will rise into the 90s to lower 100s across the southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley into parts of the Deep South. The difference Thursday is the decrease of humidity, which will keep heat indicies in the lower 100s as opposed to the excessive readings near 110 degrees that were seen earlier this week.

Showers and thunderstorms will be in the forecast for the south-central U.S. Thursday, which could allow for a brief cool down in the afternoon and evening.  Unfortunately, California and the Southwest will not experience any breaks in the heat as dry weather is anticipated.

After Thursday, the high pressure system in the West and south-central U.S. will slowly weaken, which will cause temperatures to lower slightly across the Southwest.  Meanwhile, a strong cold front will dart across parts of the Eastern Seaboard.  This will bring an end of the hot and humid weather, with temperatures  becoming cooler than average across the Deep South. 

It is very important to take necessary precautions to prevent heat-related illness. Be sure to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities and yardwork to the early half of the day. Dress in light clothing and NEVER leave children or pets unattended in the car, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

Triple digits are not uncommon in mid-August for the Interior West. The average high in Fresno and Bakersfield is around 97 degrees with record highs close to 110 degrees. Phoenix and Las Vegas typically make it into the lower 100s most days in August with record highs near 115 degrees this time of the year.