Dozens of Daily High Records Shattered in the West as Heat Expands to the East

The heat wave that has gripped the Desert Southwest in recent days is now rolling to the east, threatening to break more daily high temperatures. Read on for the latest details of this March heat wave, including records that have been set and the associated dangers of the unseasonable warmth.

Heat Wave Rolling Down the Rockies After Setting Records in the West

Record-breaking heat has been spreading across the western U.S. in recent days, resulting in temperatures that have hovered 15 to 30 degrees above the historical averages for the middle of March. Dozens of record-high temperatures have fallen this week across the West, with even warmer temperatures in store for some parts of the region.

The mercury is going to soar to levels most typically seen in late May and early June as the core of the heat shifts farther to the east this weekend. The latest forecast models predict widespread highs in the 80s and 90s for the interior West and into some areas of the Plains states.

Although the warmth may be welcome after a long and cold winter, the heat will come with a number of risks. Individuals who are sensitive to the heat will want to be mindful of an elevated threat of health issues in the coming days. This is particularly true for people who are not acclimated to the heat.