Heat has returned to the West, sending temperatures 15 to 30 degrees above average — with some areas climbing into the triple digits. More than 65 potential record highs could break through Tuesday, with extreme heat warnings in effect for parts of Phoenix and Palm Springs. FOX Weather Meteorologist Michael Estime breaks down the heat:
Across the West Coast, record heat has gripped millions so far this year. Winter was one of — if not the — warmest on record for more than 50 cities. In March, a historic heat wave swept across the West, shattering all-time temperature records.
A man walks near the Las Vegas strip during a heatwave in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 7, 2024.
(Robyn Beck / AFP)
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In fact, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that March was the warmest on record across the Lower 48.
(FOX Weather)
More than 1,200 locations recorded one of their 10 warmest Marches ever, while nearly 400 experienced their warmest March on record.
FOX Weather Correspondent Brandy Campbell visits the World’s Tallest Thermometer amid the historic heat wave that has gripped the West and parts of the Plains. California has already tied the US record for hottest March day with the heat expected to intensify even more on Friday and Saturday.
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While conditions have been somewhat more seasonable over the past week, record heat has returned to the West and will peak into early this week, the FOX Forecast Center said.
High temperatures are running up to 30 degrees above average, with extreme heat warnings in effect for parts of Phoenix and Palm Springs, where triple-digit heat is expected to peak early this week.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 31: Beachgoers pack La Jolla’s Windansea Beach during a winter heat wave on January 31, 2026 in San Diego, CA.
(Kevin Carter / Getty Images)
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By Monday, a ridge of high pressure will be situated over the region, allowing warmth to increase alongside dry and sunny conditions.
Numerous cities will be 15 to 30 degrees above average with this pattern lasting through midweek. During this period, more than 60 daily record highs are in jeopardy across 10 states, from California to Nebraska.
(FOX Weather)
Extreme heat warnings remain in effect through Tuesday for parts of inland Southern California, while heat advisories are also in effect for portions of California’s Central Valley, including Fresno and Bakersfield.
Currently, Las Vegas and Salt Lake City are experiencing their warmest year-to-date on record, running up to 5 degrees above average so far this year, which is expected to continue into this week.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, Las Vegas typically averages highs in the mid-80s by May, but is already climbing into the triple digits.
(Photo by Andrew Seaman on Unsplash)
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That said, the heat core will shift, with the Climate Prediction Center forecasting rising temperatures across the Plains late next weekend. Meanwhile, conditions in the West will finally begin to moderate.
