September is bringing extreme heat to the Southwest, with heat warnings expected to cover 26 million people by Wednesday. Cities such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Phoenix could see temperatures 10 to 20 degrees above normal starting Tuesday. A mass of warm air known as an upper-level ridge is blocking cool air from the Pacific Ocean, creating dangerous heat conditions from California’s Central Valley to the U.S.-Mexico border.
The National Weather Service is forecasting above average temperatures and potential daily records for much of the West Coast. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is deploying resources, including cooling centers, to prepare for the heat wave. Excessive heat warnings are in place for Southern California, extending east to Arizona and Southern Nevada.
Residents are advised to stay hydrated, stay indoors in air-conditioned rooms, and check on relatives and neighbors. The East Coast is expected to have normal to below-normal temperatures, while the Gulf Coast of Texas may experience thunderstorms. Meanwhile, the northern Plains states are facing “critical fire weather” conditions due to dry, windy weather.
Overall, the West Coast is experiencing extreme heat, while other regions are dealing with different weather conditions such as thunderstorms and fire risks. It is important for residents to take precautions to stay safe during this heat wave.
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