About 50 million people on alert for record heatwave after winter in the US
A record heatwave affects about 50 million people in the southwestern United States, with extreme temperatures unusual for March that have already surpassed historic highs.
TL;DR
- About 50 million people in the US Southwest are under heat alerts.
- Record high temperatures are being recorded for March, unusual for the end of winter.
- North Shore, California, reached 108°F (42°C), tying a March record from 1954.
- Temperatures in some areas are 20-30 degrees above normal for March.
- Thermal, California, could reach 110°F (43.3°C), potentially a new US March record.
- Phoenix, Arizona, recorded 102°F (38.8°C), the first time over 100°F in March since 1988.
- Las Vegas, Nevada, surpassed its March temperature record with 99°F (37.2°C).
- The extreme heat and drought increase the risk of wildfires, even in northern states.
- Extreme heat is considered the deadliest weather hazard in the United States.