A dangerous heat wave is slamming the West right now, with temperatures running 30 degrees above normal. Over 60 daily records are in danger across 10 states — is yours one of them?
| Above average +30°F Peak temps vs. normal | Records at risk 60+ Daily highs across 10 states |
| Warmest March ever 400+ Cities set all-time record | States affected 10 CA to Nebraska |
Active warnings
Extreme heat warnings in effect through Tuesday for inland Southern California. Heat advisories cover California’s Central Valley, including Fresno and Bakersfield.
Cities already breaking records
Two major cities have already hit their warmest year-to-date on record — and this week will push them even further.
| Las Vegas, NV Warmest year-to-date ever recorded Extreme heat warning | 100s°F avg mid-80s in May |
| Salt Lake City, UT Running 5°F above average all year Heat advisory | +5°F year-to-date avg |
| Phoenix & Palm Springs Triple digits expected to peak Mon–Tue Extreme heat warning | 100°F+ peak this week |
What’s driving this?
A powerful ridge of high pressure is parked over the region, trapping heat and blocking any cooling. Dry, sunny skies will only intensify temperatures through midweek, with 15 to 30 degrees above-normal readings from California all the way to Nebraska.
This isn’t an isolated event either. NOAA confirmed March 2026 was the warmest on record for the entire Lower 48. More than 1,200 locations saw one of their 10 warmest Marches ever, while nearly 400 experienced their single warmest March ever recorded.
When does it end?
Outlook this week
- Monday–Tuesday: Peak heat across the West. Extreme heat warnings active. Triple digits for Phoenix and Palm Springs.
- Midweek: Temperatures slowly begin to moderate across the West Coast as the ridge shifts east.
- Late next weekend: Heat core moves to the Plains. The West finally gets relief, but the Midwest heats up.
