May is ending on a warm note across the Southwest and southern Plains, butresidents of these two regions will have to endure even hotter temperatureslater in the week.The peak of the warmth will occur Friday into the weekend as the jet streamlifts northward and a ridge of high pressure builds overhead.
Highs in the 100s will be common each day across southeastern California,southern Nevada, the Arizona deserts, as well as places from eastern New Mexicoto western Oklahoma and central Texas.
Cities set to experience the stretch of triple-digit-heat include Palm Springs,Calif.; Las Vegas, Nev.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Carlsbad, N.M.; and San Angelo,Texas.
Temperatures should even crack the 110-degree mark along the border of Arizonaand California.
To put the upcoming blazing heat into perspective, consider the fact thattemperatures Friday into the weekend will exceed typical early June highs by 10to 20 degrees. Numerous record highs will get challenged.
You can prepare for the upcoming sizzle by making sure your air conditioningsystem is working properly. You could also install air conditioning units, orpurchase extra fans.
The entire West will not have to endure the blazing heat. The position of thejet stream will prevent temperatures from turning hot across the Northwest.
The California coastline will benefit from the cool waters of the PacificOcean. Temperatures there will remain more comfortable than places inland.
However, the stage could be set for dense fog to form along the coastline andcause problems for airline passengers and motorists. Flights at the Los AngelesInternational Airport could be impacted.
Story by AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski
