A heat wave is sweeping across the United States this week, bringing excessive heat to various regions and severe weather in other forms. In the Southwest, temperatures are soaring to record-breaking levels, with Phoenix and Las Vegas experiencing triple-digit temperatures on multiple days.
According to multiple sources, including AccuWeather and the National Weather Service (NWS), an excessive heat watch is in effect for parts of Arizona and Nevada from Tuesday through Thursday. Temperatures could reach 111 degrees Fahrenheit or higher during this period. Last week, Phoenix hit a record-setting high of 113 degrees on Thursday, while Las Vegas reached records of 111 degrees last Thursday and 109 degrees last Friday.
The NWS also predicts that severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, and possible tornadoes will affect a swath of the south-central U.S. on Monday. The main threat is strong winds reaching up to 80 mph across western Oklahoma, western Texas, and eastern New Mexico.
Storms are also expected to impact Colorado, Wyoming, the Dakotas, and Nebraska on Monday night. Large hail and damaging winds are the primary threats for these storms; however, a brief tornado cannot be ruled out.
As Monday's storms dissipate, severe weather is expected to ramp up across other parts of the U.S.
The Southwest continues to face scorching temperatures while a days-long stretch of thunderstorms is set to begin soaking much of southern and central Florida on Tuesday. The first heat wave of the year will expand into the central U.S. by Wednesday, causing excessive-heat warnings in Arizona and California's Central Valley.
Sweltering heat up to 107 degrees is anticipated across the Sacramento Valley, while temperatures in Flagstaff are expected to reach 105 to 110 degrees and Phoenix could see afternoon temperatures of 105 to 112 degrees. In California, the San Joaquin Valley, lower Sierra Nevada foothills, and the city of Bakersfield are in the path of triple-digit temperatures.
By Thursday, states as far east as Kansas and Colorado will experience triple-digit temperatures while the East Coast sees consistent 90-degree weather. Through the weekend, California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas will experience temperatures well into the triple digits.
Heavy rain is expected to end the drought across south, central Florida this week as storms dump heavy rain in the area. The upcoming storms are expected to alleviate a drought across much of central and southern Florida where some areas have only received 50 to 70% of the rainfall they usually see this time of year.
