A historic heat wave has shattered temperature records across 17 U.S. states, with forecasts warning of further record-breaking highs through the week. The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that Las Vegas recorded its seventh consecutive day of record-high temperatures on Tuesday, with a high of 96°F. The streak tied previous long-standing records for consecutive highs in the region.
The heat wave, driven by a sprawling high-pressure system known as a heat dome, has already toppled records in Arizona, California, and Nevada. Martinez Lake in western Arizona hit 110°F on Thursday, marking the highest March temperature ever recorded in the U.S. Phoenix, Yuma, and El Centro also set new daily and monthly records for March.
The heat is expected to spread eastward, with the NWS predicting record-high temperatures in states including Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma by Friday. Cities like Phoenix, Tucson, and Albuquerque could see temperatures exceed 90°F, potentially breaking long-standing daily records. The NWS warned of temperatures hovering 20 degrees above normal in some areas, urging residents to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during peak heat.
Meteorologists noted that the geographic scale of the heat wave is unusually expansive, with roughly a quarter to a third of the contiguous U.S. potentially challenging March records. The heat dome is expected to drift eastward, raising concerns about record-challenging temperatures in the central Plains and other regions.
The NWS reported that 479 weather stations across the U.S. recorded new March temperature records within a few days, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the event. Climatologists warned that the prolonged stretch of high temperatures could have significant impacts on public health and infrastructure.