Heat Returns to Southwest; Increased Fire Danger?

After a bit of a break from excessive heat in places like Arizona, Nevada and southern California due to the monsoon, more big-time heat could work its way into the desert regions of the Southwest later this week. A ridge of high pressure will build back into the desert Southwest later this week, suppressing daily shower and storm chances and driving up temperatures. The annual monsoon has doused places like Las Vegas, Nevada and Phoenix and Flagstaff, Arizona with plenty of rain this month, which has led to flooding in the area. But those clouds and showers have helped to keep most of the region relatively cool, at least compared to seasonable levels. That will change. Excessive Heat Watches have been posted by the National Weather Service (NWS) for the area for Monday and Tuesday of next week. Phoenix and Las Vegas will be running five to perhaps 10 degrees above seasonable averages this weekend and into early next week. Some portions of Arizona, California and Nevada could approach 115° or perhaps 120° by early-to-mid next week. Remember to limit your time outdoors, especially during peak heating hours, drink plenty of water and wear light-colored, loose clothing. Stay with WeatherNation for the latest on these warm temperatures. For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Chris Bianchi