heatwave June13
© Accuweather
Heat will build to dangerous and record-challenging levels in much of the southwestern United States toward this weekend and into early next week. Temperatures will climb well past 100 F in parts of California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Teaxas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona with the worst days of heat likely from Saturday to Monday.

While the summer months can be unbearable in terms of heat in the Southwest, temperatures will climb to 10-20 F above average for the middle of June during the pattern.

"The core of the heat will be centered on Arizona, where portions of the state, including Phoenix, could approach their highest temperature on record for any calendar day," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski.

Temperatures may not only reach levels not felt in the past several years but could challenge the highest mark on record in some cases.

"The all-time record high in Phoenix is 122 set on June 26, 1990," Pydynowski said.

Temperatures could top 113 in Las Vegas and 117 in Palm Springs, California, which would be the highest mark since late June 2013, when temperatures reached 117 and 122, respectively.
heatwave us june 2016
© Accuweather
During the peak of the heat, temperatures will climb into the 90s in Los Angeles. AccuWeather RealFeel Temperatures will be several degrees higher than the actual temperature.

The heat will have thousands flocking to Southern California beaches for relief, where temperatures will be significantly lower and patchy low clouds are likely.

The buildup of heat will make it dangerous for strenuous outdoor activities during the midday and afternoon hours. People traveling through the region should make sure their vehicle can operate safely in the extreme temperatures. Motorists traveling on area highways will need to reduce their speed to minimize the chance of the engine over-heating or a tire-related failure.

Heat-related delays are possible at area airports. Extreme heat can negatively affect the performance of aircraft during takeoff and low-altitude ascent.

The extreme heat and associated low humidity will raise the risk of wildfire ignition and expansion.

It is possible the extreme heat will continue in part of the Southwest well into next week.

If you will be traveling in the region, be sure to carry plenty of water in case of a vehicular failure. Those who must work in the extreme conditions should regularly consume non-alcoholic fluids to avoid the risk of dehydration, hyperthermia and heat stroke.