Phoenix, Arizona – The U.S. is bracing for extreme weather conditions this week, with heat waves, heavy rains, and snow expected to impact different regions. Southwest residents have been advised to take precautions as temperatures soar, while flooding threatens the Gulf states and snowfall is on the forecast for the Rockies and Northwest.
In Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, and Kansas, extreme heat has blanketed the region, causing concern among officials. While the Pacific Northwest experiences unseasonable cold, the northern Rockies and the Northwest prepare for snowfall. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall is anticipated from the northern Plains to the Upper Midwest.
The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for over 63 million people across the Southwest, stretching from Denver to Chicago. Phoenix experienced scorching temperatures, with the first two weeks of June already setting records for high temperatures. Meteorologists are urging residents to limit outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and wear light clothing to stay safe.
Metro Phoenix is expected to see a brief reprieve from the heat early in the week before temperatures rise again, prompting another round of excessive heat warnings. With a record number of heat-related deaths in 2023, authorities in Phoenix and Maricopa County have implemented additional measures to ensure the safety of residents, including the opening of cooling centers.
In neighboring New Mexico, heat advisories were in effect over the weekend, with temperatures soaring in cities like Roswell and Albuquerque. The heat wave is making its way eastward into the Plains and Great Lakes region, with thunderstorms and heavy rainfall expected. The Northeast will likely experience high temperatures and humidity, making conditions feel even hotter.
As the heat wave spreads across the country, late-season snowfall is forecast for the northern Rockies, while heavy rain and flash flooding threaten the central Gulf Coast. In Florida, intense flooding from recent storms has caused disruption, coinciding with the start of what is expected to be an active hurricane season.
With a mix of extreme weather conditions impacting different regions of the U.S., residents are urged to stay informed, take necessary precautions, and heed local authorities’ advice to stay safe. Stay tuned for updates as the situation evolves across the country.