Phoenix, Arizona experienced extreme heat on Sunday as a wave of severe weather moved across multiple states, including New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, and Kansas. The National Weather Service reported that over 63 million people were under heat advisories, extending from the Southwest up through Denver and into Chicago. In Phoenix, temperatures soared to 112 degrees Fahrenheit on Saturday, making it the hottest start to June on record with a 5.6-degree Fahrenheit increase in average temperatures. Meteorologists advised residents to limit outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., stay hydrated, and wear light clothing to combat the sweltering heat.
Around the region, Maricopa County in Arizona and the city of Phoenix saw a record number of heat-related deaths in 2023, prompting officials to implement additional measures to keep residents safe. Further south in New Mexico, heat advisories were in place, with temperatures soaring to 107 degrees F in Roswell. In Colorado, temperatures ranged from near 90 degrees F in Denver to 100 degrees F in Pueblo, with even hotter weather expected in the coming days. The heat wave continued to move across the Plains and the Great Lakes area, with the Northeast bracing for its arrival by Tuesday.
While much of the country experienced sweltering conditions, snow was forecast for the northern Rockies, with Montana and north-central Idaho under a winter storm warning. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall in the central Gulf Coast raised concerns of flash flooding. In southern Florida, intense flooding from preceding storms began to subside, leaving areas submerged as the region grappled with the early start of hurricane season.
As temperatures continued to rise and extreme weather conditions persisted, residents across the country remained vigilant in mitigating the effects of the heat wave and potential hazards posed by various weather events. Authorities advised the public to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this period of volatile weather patterns.