The Southwest is baking. And for millions of residents from Arizona to California, Monday will bring the most dangerous heat they have seen since last summer.
Extreme heat warnings are in effect across a wide swath of the region through Tuesday, issued by the National Weather Service offices in Phoenix and San Diego. Afternoon temperatures of 104 to 114 degrees are expected across affected areas — readings that have not been seen since last year and that arrive earlier in the season than most residents are prepared for.
Areas Experiencing The Highest Heat Waves
The greater Phoenix metro area is under an extreme heat warning until 8 p.m. MST Tuesday, with afternoon highs of 104 to 110 degrees expected across the valley, including Avondale, Queen Creek, Gilbert, Surprise, Goodyear, Mesa, Chandler, Phoenix, Tempe, and surrounding communities. Residents in Maricopa County can call 2-1-1 to find a free cooling center, transportation, and water.
To the west, Parker Valley and Yuma in Arizona, along with California’s Imperial Valley, Palo Verde Valley, and Chuckwalla Valley, face an extreme heat warning through 8 p.m. Monday, with temperatures of 106 to 112 degrees expected. In the southwest corner of Imperial County and around the Salton Sea, highs could reach 114 degrees…