Millions of people in western states are facing triple-digit temperatures this week.
Most valley locales in California and Arizona are expected to see near record highs of 10 to 20 degrees above average. Excessive heat advisories will be in effect through Friday for millions in Oregon, California, Arizona and Nevada.
Forecasting models suggest the heat will continue at least through Friday, with temperatures between 90 and 110 degrees.
Western states see excessive heat
“September is actually a fairly hot month overall, being as far southwest as they are, and as dry as the climate is,” said Heather Zehr, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather . Those states “tend to reach their peak normal averages at the end of August and beginning of September.”
Unable to view our graphics? Click here to see them.
How to recognize heat illnesses
According to the National Weather Service’s HeatRisk index , this “major to extreme heat” will put everyone without access to cooling and hydration − including healthy adults − at risk for heat-related illnesses.