A powerful and long-lasting heat dome is set to grip the southwestern United States starting late this week, with dangerously high temperatures expected to linger through the weekend and into next week, according to weather officials.
The system, currently fueling extreme heat across the Great Plains, is forecast to shift southwest by Friday, settling near the Arizona-Utah border. As it moves into position, forecasters warn that scorching conditions will spread across much of Southern California, including areas that typically stay cooler due to coastal influence.
A shift in wind patterns is expected to push hot desert air toward the coastline, allowing the heat to reach as far as the Los Angeles Basin, San Diego, and nearby beach communities — regions that rarely see such extreme readings.
Highs in Los Angeles and surrounding areas are projected to climb into the mid-to-upper 90s, while inland valleys could see temperatures soar past 100 degrees. In Palm Springs, forecasters say readings may approach a staggering 120 degrees.
Meteorologists tracking the system say unusually high temperatures in the upper atmosphere are a major factor driving the intensity of this heat wave, with conditions rarely observed over the region’s deserts and southern coastal areas.
Meanwhile, cities like Las Vegas and Phoenix could see highs between 110 and 120 degrees, potentially threatening daily record highs. The heat dome’s strength is also expected to weaken seasonal monsoon activity, pushing most thunderstorm activity into higher elevations and away from major population centers.
Adding to the danger, a separate storm system moving into the Pacific Northwest is expected to bring gusty winds across parts of the West later in the week. Combined with extreme heat and dry conditions, officials warn this could significantly raise the risk of fast-spreading wildfires across the region.
Residents across the affected areas are being urged to limit outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours and stay alert for heat-related health risks as the dangerous conditions unfold.
