{"id":479243,"date":"2026-03-16T21:42:07","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T21:42:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/479243\/"},"modified":"2026-03-16T21:42:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T21:42:07","slug":"dangerously-hot-conditions-millions-in-us-west-prepare-for-extreme-heatwave-west-coast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/479243\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Dangerously hot conditions\u2019: millions in US west prepare for extreme heatwave | West Coast"},"content":{"rendered":"

Millions of people in the western US are preparing for extreme heat as unprecedented temperatures are forecast across California<\/a>, Nevada and Arizona.<\/p>\n

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a heat advisory for California\u2019s Bay Area and central coast regions as temperatures are expected to reach up to 90F (32C).<\/p>\n

\u201cDozens of daily high temperature records are expected, and many locations are likely to set both all-high temperatures for the month of March and their earliest 100 [degree] temperature on record,\u201d said<\/a> the NWS Weather prediction center in a statement.<\/p>\n

This is the first time in history that such a warning has been issued in March for the region, as temperatures are upwards of 20F to 30F above average.<\/p>\n

Higher temperatures raise concerns about an increase in heat-related illnesses, especially among vulnerable populations. Weather officials have instructed people to remain hydrated and stay inside as needed.<\/p>\n

Winter recreation has been affected due to the historic weather. At least one ski resort in central California announced it has closed early for the season due to \u201cunseasonably warm conditions\u201d. The Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort in Pinecrest, California, wrote on Instagram<\/a>: \u201cWe are hopeful that this will not be the end of our season, and aim to resume operations should we receive significant snowfall at a later time.\u201d<\/p>\n

The upcoming heatwave temperatures could cause California\u2019s snowpack to further dwindle, officials warn<\/a>. The state\u2019s snowpack, compressed snow that accumulates throughout the winter and serves as a key water source when melted, is already below average. California is now drought free, but continuous low snowmelt combined with higher temperatures could be problematic in the future.<\/p>\n

Record-breaking heat was also forecast in Las Vegas, Nevada, with temperatures set to reach the mid-90s this week. The highest temperature recorded in March is 93F set on 26 March 2022, KSNV reported<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The NWS placed an \u201cextreme heat warning\u201d in effect across much of Nevada, including Las Vegas, as well as north-west Arizona<\/a> from Wednesday until Sunday evening. \u201cDangerously hot conditions with temperatures peaking between 95 and 100 degrees expected for the Las Vegas Valley, Pahrump Valley, and Kingman; temperatures peaking between 98 and 103 for lower elevations of southern Mohave County,\u201d the NWS advisory read.<\/p>\n