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Southwest Heat Wave: 9 Million Under Extreme Weather Warning

3/17/2026

48 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

An early-season heat wave is affecting about 9 million people in Southwest California, triggering an 82-hour National Weather Service (NWS) warning.
Temperatures are forecast to reach 96–104 degrees Fahrenheit, increasing heat illness risk for vulnerable populations.
Extreme heat watches were issued for areas in Arizona and Nevada.
Meteorologists say the heat could break June or July records, signaling an unusual pattern.

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Story summary

An early-season heat wave is affecting about 9 million people in Southwest California, triggering an 82-hour National Weather Service (NWS) warning.
Temperatures are forecast to reach 96–104 degrees Fahrenheit, increasing heat illness risk for vulnerable populations.
Extreme heat watches were issued for areas in Arizona and Nevada.
Meteorologists say the heat could break June or July records, signaling an unusual pattern.