Extreme March heat wave will scorch Los Angeles and the Southwest this week. The long-term consequences could devastating

"Given the unprecedented length and magnitude of this extreme heat wave, heat stress will be increasing each day, especially in areas that aren't used to the heat, like the coastal areas. Some parts of the southwest could see triple-digit temperatures, when they have never before experienced that this early in the year."

"It is quite likely that many cities and probably many states will set new all-time high March temperature records, as well as new records for the month of March cumulatively overall. All the way from Colorado to California, I think we're going to hit records everywhere in between."

"The heat wave is expected to last for the foreseeable future, with a 10- to 14-day stretch of extraordinarily anomalous weather. Temperatures in the Los Angeles area will be 15 to 25 degrees above seasonal norms on Thursday, March 12, and Friday, March 13, reaching into the 90s along the coast and potentially above 100 degrees in some areas."

An exceptional heat wave is expected to impact the southwestern United States from California to Colorado, with temperatures significantly exceeding seasonal norms. Los Angeles will experience temperatures 15 to 25 degrees above average, reaching the 90s along the coast and potentially exceeding 100 degrees inland. Tucson, Arizona, may record its earliest 100-plus degree day, surpassing the March record of 99 degrees. Parts of Colorado are forecast to reach the 90s, potentially breaking state records. The heat wave is anticipated to persist for 10 to 14 days, with many cities and states likely setting new all-time March temperature records. Climate scientists warn that areas unaccustomed to extreme heat, particularly coastal regions, face increasing heat stress as temperatures climb daily.

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