US west coast prepares for 'dangerous' heatwave in early spring

Severe weather is plaguing the US from coast to coast, bringing a mix of extreme heat and bitter cold.

An unprecedented heat wave is poised to take hold in the Southwest, particularly in Phoenix, where temperatures are expected to reach triple digits for several days—levels typically seen two months later. Experts emphasize the unprecedented nature of this event and link such extreme heat directly to human-induced climate change.

Southern California is experiencing an unusual winter heat wave, with temperatures soaring into the 90s Fahrenheit (over 32°C) in mid-March—approximately 20 degrees above normal. Los Angeles saw a high of 91°F (32.7°C) on Thursday, and temperatures could reach 95°F (35°C) in the San Fernando Valley. The National Weather Service attributes the unseasonal heat to a high-pressure system and the absence of cooling Pacific Ocean winds.