Southwest US Endures Triple‑Digit Heat as Temperatures Surge Above 110°F

Phoenix, Arizona, and the lower Colorado River Valley are under extreme heat warnings, with temperatures climbing past 110°F and forecasts of up to 115°F later this week. An Extreme Heat Warning for Yuma cites afternoon highs of 106‑112°F, while the National Weather Service warns of fire‑danger conditions in Lamar, Colorado, where highs are expected to reach 103‑105°F. Health officials caution that prolonged exposure can cause heat cramps, exhaustion and stroke, noting, "Heat cramps can include profuse sweating, fatigue, extreme thirst, muscle cramps" and urging residents to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity and seek cooling shelters.

Gardeners in the Southwest are advised to adjust care for heat‑stressed plants. Recommendations include watering deeply and early in the morning, applying mulch to keep soil cool, avoiding fertilization and heavy pruning during the hottest periods, and ensuring drip‑irrigation systems run long enough to reach root zones. These steps aim to prevent root damage and sunscald as the region endures an extended heat wave.