Record-high temperatures possible in 17 states today as heat wave expands
CBS News • • nation
Key Points:
- A heat wave expanding from the West into the central U.S. could produce record high temperatures in 17 states on Wednesday, potentially breaking over 60 daily records across the western half of the country.
- Phoenix is expected to experience the most extreme heat, with forecasts predicting a 100-degree day that would surpass its previous record by four degrees, while cities like Albuquerque, Austin, Las Vegas, Oklahoma City, Tucson, and Tulsa may also break daily temperature records.
- Tucson could see its hottest March 25th since 1896 if temperatures exceed 94 degrees, and Tulsa might experience its highest temperature for the date since 1970.
- Denver and Salt Lake City may break daily records set in 2012 and 2022, respectively, with forecasted temperatures reaching up to 87 and 82 degrees.
- The heat wave is expected to move eastward through the week, potentially breaking over 200 more daily records by Sunday, while increased warmth in the Northern Plains raises fire risk concerns through Thursday.
