California braces for record heat in March as temperatures top 100 degrees
Warmer, drier conditions intensify across the region this week, with an early March heatwave potentially bringing record temperatures of 100 degrees to Southern California.
High temperatures continued across the western United States on Sunday, March 22, as the ongoing heatwave set temperature records in some areas and sent dozens of people seeking medical treatment at an Arizona air show.
The scorching heat wave that began last week and brought dangerous temperatures to parts of California, Arizona and other southwestern states is expected to spread eastward into the central United States in the coming days, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters warned that record temperatures will continue for the next few days.
The unprecedented early heatwave was the result of high pressure moving across the west, causing a “vast dome of unusually high temperatures”, the Bureau of Meteorology said. Based on preliminary data, the agency announced that more than 150 daily high temperature records have been set since March 17, and about 50 records for March have already been broken.
Temperatures are expected to be “above normal for this time of year” ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius in most areas from the Southwest to the Great Plains, the National Weather Service said. Temperatures in some areas of the central plains are expected to be more than 40 degrees Celsius higher than normal over the weekend, and the minimum nighttime temperature is also expected to be “well above normal, with little relief in the heat.”
John Gottschalk, director of operational forecasting at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, told USA TODAY that the interior West, south-central Rockies, Southwest and south-central Plains have the highest chance of above-average temperatures, including potential extreme heat episodes.
“The early part of the year, the length of this heat wave, and limited seasonal adaptation will increase the risk of heat effects, especially among sensitive populations and those without effective air conditioning,” the Bureau of Meteorology said. “Adjust your plans to limit strenuous outdoor activities to early morning hours, drink plenty of fluids, and seek air-conditioned areas.”
Arizona’s high temperatures send dozens of people to hospital with heatstroke
Dangerously high temperatures continued in the Phoenix area over the weekend, with temperatures at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport reaching 106 degrees by late afternoon on March 21, according to the National Weather Service. The low temperature of 70 degrees recorded that morning broke the previous low of 67 degrees set in 2004 and became the earliest record low of 70 degrees on record, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
High temperatures forced first responders to rescue more than 400 people attending the Luke Days Air Show in Glendale, Ariz., outside Phoenix, with heat-related issues, according to ABC15 Arizona and Arizona Family. Twice a year, the two-day show is a popular event at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale.
The Arizona Republic, a member of the USA TODAY network, reported that about 30 people were taken to hospitals with heat-related illnesses during the air show. Glendale Fire Department spokesman John J.P. Chester said a person who developed heat-related symptoms was also treated at the scene.
“Given the large outdoor event and rising temperatures, we strongly encourage participants to hydrate in advance, rest in shaded or cool areas, and be aware of the early signs of heatstroke,” Chester advised, according to the Arizona Republic.
Those most at risk from fever are those over 60, under 12, pregnant, and those with diabetes or heart disease. or have a pre-existing medical condition, according to the Air Force Base.
“If they fall into those categories, make a good plan. Whether it’s just not attending or make a plan around a few important events you want to attend. Stay for a few hours and be sure to stay hydrated. Find some shade,” the Brigadier General said. Gen. David J. Birkland said in a video posted on the Air Force base’s Facebook page. “If you start to feel sick, it’s time to go home. A lot of guys were going to have a tough practice today, and a lot of them are where our problems showed up.”
How to stay safe in the heat
According to the American Red Cross, extreme heat is dangerous and kills more people than any other weather-related event. Hazards from heat include exposure to sunlight, which can damage the skin, increased sweating, which can dehydrate the body, and other heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Here are some tips to stay safe in the intense heat.
- Use sunscreen or sunscreen and reapply it regularly.
- Dress appropriately for the heat: Choose loose-fitting, light-colored, lightweight clothing, advises the Bureau of Meteorology.
- Do not leave children or pets in the vehicle. Even if the temperature outside is not high, the temperature inside your car can quickly become dangerous.
- Please check the weather. Check your weather app and ask the forecaster for information on UV index, heat alerts, perceived temperature, and more. Heat.gov has additional information on forecasts and heat risks.
- Bring water to stay hydrated: If you’re going to spend a lot of time in the sun, carry multiple bottles of water.
- Find shade and air conditioning: Minimize your risk of heat stroke by staying cool and avoiding direct sunlight.
Contributions: Doyle Rice, Jeanine Santucci, Joel Shannon, USA TODAY. Jose R. Gonzalez, Hannah Dreyfuss, Julie Mendez, Arizona Republic
