Summer begins with heat warnings in the West for triple-digit temperatures

A change in the weather pattern will bring triple-digit heatwaves in the west, with temperatures expected to reach well over 38 degrees Celsius as the region experiences its first summer heatwave.

Forecast models show that developing high pressure systems over the Pacific and Mexico will contribute to increased heat during the work week.

A similar heatwave has caused record temperatures south of the border and dozens of people and animals are said to have been killed last month.

The FOX Forecast Center says that while some of the same influences will be at play, the weather will not be as extreme as Mexico, but it will still remain hot.

By mid-week, temperatures could rise to 44 °C (111 °F) in Phoenix, 48 °C (118 °F) in Death Valley and 38 °C (100 °F) in Sacramento.

These temperatures are 10 to 20 degrees above average in much of inland California and the desert southwest.

Why summer should actually start on June 1st

Heat warnings have already been issued for more than 10 million residents in three states, including the greater Las Vegas area.

The earliest calendar day on which Sin City reached 43 degrees is June 6, meaning the heat wave could help match, if not break, the record.

Forecast models predict the heatwave will be worst on Wednesday and Thursday, but could last into Friday and the coming weekend.

Meteorologists from the National Weather Service warn of heat-related illnesses in people who do not drink much fluids and do not have access to air conditioning.

In addition, overnight minimum temperatures do not drop to comfortable levels, placing additional stress on people and pets hoping to cool off after sunset.

Hot summer nights reduce the chance of cooling down during the day

In many areas where daily records could be set or broken, communities are labeled as impact level 3 or 4 out of 4 on the National Weather Service’s HeatRisk map.

The HeatRisk threat level takes into account the unusual nature of the heat, the duration of extreme temperatures and potential health impacts.

At Code Red (Level 3), the heat affects anyone who is not adequately hydrated or does not have access to cooling, and is one level below Code Magenta (Level 4).

Level 4 means extreme heat that is either rare or of long duration. Health systems may be impacted by an influx of patients with heat-related illnesses.

Parts of the Las Vegas metropolitan area are in the extreme risk zone of Level 4 of 4 on Thursday and Friday.