A series of weather warnings have been issued across the United States ahead of an extreme heat wave, which will affect large areas of California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas and New Mexico this week.
In some places, including Las Vegas and Phoenix, the mercury will reach 111 degrees Fahrenheit, prompting the National Weather Service to issue multiple "excessive heat" warnings.
An excessive heat warning means that a period of very hot temperatures, even by local standards, will occur. The warning is issued when temperatures are expected to be 105 or higher for at least two days and nighttime air temperatures will not drop below 75.
The current extreme temperatures are being triggered by a heat dome, a meteorological phenomenon in which a ridge of high pressure gets stuck in the atmosphere. It traps hot ocean air like a lid on a boiling pot, which leads to very high temperatures.
Areas of particular concern include regions of California's Central Valley and the Desert Southwest, where high temperatures will easily climb over 100 degrees, the National Weather Service said.
Forecasters have issued multiple excessive heat warnings for California, where temperatures in areas of the Sacramento Valley are expected to surpass 110 degrees. The cities of San Diego, Fresno and Bakersfield will experience very high temperatures, as will Los Angeles County. Death Valley National Park may see scorching temperatures between 118 and 122.
Forecasters have said Las Vegas will experience dangerously hot conditions in early June, with temperatures expected to be between 107 and 114 degrees. In Phoenix the mercury could reach up to 113 degrees.
Excessive heat warnings are also in place across Texas, including in the cities of Brownsville and Corpus Christi.
Regions of Utah, including the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Washington County areas, will also experience extremely hot conditions with limited overnight relief, as nighttime temperatures will stay in the mid-70s.
During a heat wave, people are advised to drink more water, stay indoors and shelter in air-conditioned buildings. Small children and elderly people are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat advisory warnings are in place for Santa Teresa, New Mexico, and El Paso, Texas, where temperatures between 103 and 107 are expected.
Generally, a heat advisory means the temperature is expected to be 100 degrees or higher for at least two days. Residents in the six states affected should check the National Weather Service for temperature forecasts in their specific area.
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