September is experiencing a prolonged heat wave, with heat warnings set to cover 26 million people in the Southwest by Wednesday. Cities like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Phoenix could see temperatures 10 to 20 degrees above normal, peaking on Thursday. A mass of warm air is causing the heat, blocking cool air from the Pacific Ocean. The National Weather Service is forecasting above-average temperatures and potential daily record highs along the West Coast. Los Angeles is preparing for the heat wave by deploying resources, including opening additional cooling centers and hydration stations. Excessive heat warnings are in place for Southern California’s populous counties and extend into Arizona and Nevada. The National Weather Service has issued warnings and watches for dangerous heat conditions, advising people to stay hydrated, stay indoors, and check on neighbors. The East Coast is experiencing normal to below-normal temperatures while the Gulf Coast may see thunderstorms. The heat in the West may worsen dry, windy conditions in the northern Plains states, leading to a federal “critical fire weather” forecast. It is essential for residents in the affected areas to take precautions and stay safe during this extreme weather event.
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