Southwest and West Coast potentially face record heat as September kicks off

September is bringing extreme heat to the Southwest, with heat warnings expected to impact 26 million people. Cities like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Phoenix are forecasted to experience temperatures 10 to 20 degrees above normal. A warm air mass called an upper-level ridge is blocking cool air from the Pacific Ocean, creating dangerous heat conditions. The National Weather Service is predicting above-average temperatures and potential daily records along the West Coast. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is deploying resources, including cooling centers and hydration stations, to help residents cope with the heat. Excessive heat warnings are in place for Southern California, including San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, and Ventura counties, as well as parts of Arizona and Nevada. Residents are urged to stay hydrated, stay cool, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Meanwhile, the East Coast is experiencing normal to below-normal temperatures, and the Gulf Coast may see thunderstorms. The hot and dry conditions in the northern Plains states have led to a federal “critical fire weather” forecast for the region. This heatwave in the West is expected to have far-reaching impacts on communities and requires proactive measures to stay safe and cool.

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