High temperatures across the western United States persisted on Sunday, March 22, as theongoing heat wavebroketemperature recordsin some areas, and causeddozens to seekhealth treatment at an Arizona airshow.
The scorching heat wave, which began last week and brought dangerous temperatures to parts of California, Arizona, and other Southwestern states, is expected toexpand east into the central United Statesin the coming days, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters warned that record temperatures will continue over the next several days.
The unprecedented early heat wave was the result of a high-pressure system spinning across the West, causing "an expansive dome of unusually hot temperatures," the weather service said. Based on preliminary data, the agency said more than 150 daily high-temperature marks and about 50 March records have already been broken since March 17.
Most areas from the Southwest into the Great Plains will see temperatures that are 25 to 35 degrees "higher than normal for this time of year," according to the weather service. Some areas in the central Plains were expected to see temperatures that are over 40 degrees above average over the weekend, and overnight low temperatures were also forecast to be "well above average, providing little relief from the heat."
The highest odds for above-normal temperatures, including potential extreme heat episodes, are for the interior West, the central and southern Rockies, the Southwest, and the central and southern Plains, Jon Gottschalck, the chief of the operational prediction branch at NOAA's Climate Prediction Center,told USA TODAY.
"The early time of year, prolonged nature of this heat wave, and limited seasonal acclimation will increase the risk of heat impacts, especially among sensitive populations or those without effective cooling," the weather service said. "Adjust plans to limit strenuous outdoor activities to early morning hours, drink plenty of fluids, and seek air-conditioned spaces."
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Hot temperatures in Arizona sends dozens to hospital for heat-related illnesses
Dangerously hot temperatures continued in the Phoenix area over the weekend, and by late afternoon on March 21, temperatures reached 106 degrees at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, according to the weather service. The 70-degree low recorded that morning broke the previous warm-low mark of 67 degrees set in 2004 and marked the earliest 70-degree low on record, the weather service said.
The high temperatures caused first responders to help more than 400 people attending the Luke Days Air Show in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix, with heat-related issues, according toABC15 ArizonaandAZ Family. The biannual two-day show is apopular eventat the Luke Air Force Base in Glendale.
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TheArizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported that about 30 people were taken to the hospital for heat-related illnesses during the air show. Others with heat-related symptoms were treated on scene, said Glendale Fire Department spokesperson John J.P. Chester.
"With large outdoor events and elevated temperatures, we strongly encourage attendees to stay ahead of hydration, take breaks in shaded or cooled areas, and recognize early signs of heat illness," Chester advised, according to the Arizona Republic.
Those most at risk to the heat included people over 60 years old, under 12 years old, or those pregnant, diabetic, having a heart condition. or any pre-existing medical condition, according to the air base.
"If they're in those categories, please have a good plan, whether that's just don't show up or plan around a couple key events you want to show up for, stay for a couple hours, and by all means, stay hydrated. Find shade," Brig. Gen. David J. Berkland said in avideoposted on the air base's Facebook page. "When you start to not feel right, it's time to go home. We had a lot of people try to tough it out today. Those are a lot of where our issues showed up."
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How to stay safe during the heat wave
Extreme heat is dangerous and kills more people than any other weather-related event, according to the American Red Cross. Heat dangers include sun exposure that could damage skin, an increase in sweating that can dehydrate the body, and other heat-related illnesses such asheat exhaustionandheatstroke.
Here are tips to stay safe during extreme heat:
Use sunblock or sunscreen and reapply it regularly.
Dress appropriately for the heat: Choose loose-fitting, light-colored, and lightweight clothes, the weather service advises.
Do not leave children or pets in vehicles: Temperatures in cars can quickly become deadly — even if the temperature outside is not hot.
Check the weather. Look at weather apps and listen to forecasters for information about the UV index, heat warnings, and the feels-like temperature. Heat.gov has additional information about the forecast and heat risk.
Bring water and stay hydrated: Carry multiple bottles of water if you are spending extended time in the sun.
Find shade and air conditioning: Minimize the risk of heat dangers by staying cool and avoiding direct sun exposure.
Contributing: Doyle Rice, Jeanine Santucci, and Joel Shannon, USA TODAY; Jose R. Gonzalez, Hannah Dreyfus, and Julie Mendes, Arizona Republic
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Dozens treated for heat illnesses at Arizona airshow amid heat wave