As spring takes hold, residents of California and Arizona are facing extreme heat warnings over the weekend, with temperatures soaring above 100°F in many areas. This exceptional heat wave extends its grip far into the Midwest, even touching states like Nebraska.
Temperatures are predicted to hit the century mark in Tucson, while the Yuma Desert could see soaring highs of up to 105°F following a record-breaking 112°F just the previous day.
Hikers like Win Marsh, who recently challenged themselves in the Arizona desert, are returning home early due to the harsh conditions. We know our limits, said Marsh. We can’t hike when our bodies can’t cool down. There’s no shade out there, and water sources are drying up. ... We promised our kids we wouldn’t do sketchy stuff. We’re not out there for a search-and-rescue event.
Temperatures in Southern California also hit the triple digits, a surprising development for March. Experts have typically commented that the arrival of such heat is expected by May, not so early in the year.
The Midwest is predicted to face more fluctuations, with temperatures jumping to the 90s this weekend, expected to plummet back down to the 50s and 60s shortly afterward. A red flag warning is already in place, indicating an increased risk for wildfires.
Experts anticipate that this summer will be hotter than normal across the United States from April through June. Climate change is repeatedly being identified as a significant factor contributing to the unusual weather patterns witnessed this March, according to recent reports from World Weather Attribution, a coalition of scientists studying climate-related events.
