Chief meteorologist Tim Deegan drinks coffee from a mug that reads “CHIEF” during a 20-minute webcast segment at the First Coast News building Friday, May 23, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. Deegan retires Friday, May 30 after serving the Jacksonville metro area for the past 43 years.
California – A dangerous heat wave is set to scorch parts of the western United States this weekend, with temperatures expected to soar well into the triple digits across inland California and Nevada. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued extreme heat warnings and advisories across the region, urging residents to take precautions as the first significant heat wave of the season grips the West.
In southern Nevada and southeastern California, including Las Vegas, Pahrump, Barstow, and the Lake Mead area, the NWS has forecast temperatures to range from 104 to 109 degrees, with Death Valley likely to exceed 115 degrees. The warning remains in effect until 11 p.m. Saturday, as forecasters expect little overnight relief and elevated risk for heat-related illness.
“This is a dangerous situation, especially for those without reliable access to air conditioning,” said the NWS office in Las Vegas. “Residents should drink plenty of water or electrolyte-rich beverages and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.”
The heat wave will also stretch across central and northern California. The Sacramento Valley and surrounding areas could hit 107 degrees, while temperatures of 105 to 106 are expected in Merced, Bakersfield, and Tulare. In Trinity, Mendocino, and Lake Counties, the heat may top 105 degrees.
Meteorologists attribute the spike to a strong high-pressure system parked over the western U.S., pushing temperatures 15 to 20 degrees above normal. “This will be the first major heat event of the season outside of Southern California,” said AccuWeather’s Heather Zehr.
The NWS also warned that heat-related health risks increase significantly for older adults, young children, outdoor workers, and individuals without access to air conditioning. Authorities are advising residents to stay indoors, check on vulnerable neighbors, and never leave children or pets in vehicles, where temperatures can become deadly within minutes.
Additionally, despite the heat, many local lakes and rivers remain cold from spring snowmelt. The NWS Hanford cautioned that some bodies of water may have a 30-degree difference between air and water temperatures, posing a risk of cold shock to swimmers.
While coastal California remains cooler, with highs in the 70s and 80s, the rest of the region is bracing for record-breaking temperatures, with relief unlikely before the start of next week.
