Western U.S. Experiencing Record Warmth as East Shivers

While the central and eastern portions of the U.S. continue to see wave after wave of Arctic air, it has been a different start to the winter season for much of the West. A large swath of the western U.S. has notched record high readings over the last few days, proving that not every corner of the country has been dealing with unseasonably cold temperatures. Here is a look at just how toasty it has been when compared to normal readings for this time of the year, as well as what to expect this week.

Record Warm Temperature Trend for the Western U.S.

The atypically warm weekend is forecast to linger into next week for many communities in the western U.S. The warm weather is a stark contrast to the bitter cold that has gripped the central and eastern U.S. over the past several days. Forecasters are predicting that the potential of record highs will spread across the Great Basin, the Desert Southwest, California, and up into the Pacific Northwest.

For example, it will be a beautiful stretch of days for tourists in Las Vegas. Sin City is expecting highs in the low 70s this week under mostly sunny skies.

It will be even warmer across Southern California. Los Angeles is forecast to see the mercury soar into the low 80s by Thursday. The Desert Southwest will also get in on the warmth this week. Phoenix is forecast to see readings in the upper 70s throughout the week. Plentiful sunshine will make it feel even warmer.