PHOENIX, AZ – Extremes in weather conditions are expected to impact various parts of the United States this week. Southwest residents are being cautioned to take necessary precautions as a heat wave moves eastward, while heavy rainfall and flooding are anticipated in the Gulf states. In addition, snowfall is looming for the Rockies and Northwest regions.

On Sunday, a wave of severe weather swept across many states, with extreme heat encompassing Arizona, New Mexico, parts of Texas, Colorado, and Kansas. Meanwhile, unseasonably cold conditions were experienced in the Pacific Northwest, with snowfall forecasted for the northern Rocky Mountains and heavy rainfall expected from the northern Plains to the Upper Midwest.

According to the National Weather Service, more than 63 million people were under heat advisories on Sunday, extending from the Southwest to Denver and up into Chicago. Phoenix reached 112 degrees Fahrenheit on Saturday, cooling slightly to 110 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday. The weather service noted that the first two weeks of June in Phoenix have been exceptionally hotter than normal, marking the hottest start to June on record.

Meteorologist Ted Whittock of the National Weather Service in Phoenix emphasized the importance of taking precautions due to the high temperatures. Recommendations included reducing outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., staying hydrated, and wearing light, loose-fitting clothing.

Efforts are being made in Phoenix and Maricopa County to ensure public safety during the heatwave. Measures such as additional overnight cooling centers and numerous daytime cooling centers have been implemented to provide relief and hydration for residents.

In neighboring New Mexico, a heat advisory was issued over the weekend for the Chavez County plains, including Roswell, with temperatures expected to reach up to 107 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures in Albuquerque and El Paso, Texas also soared, prompting the opening of cooling centers to assist residents in coping with the heat.

The heatwave is anticipated to move eastward into the Plains and Great Lakes regions, reaching the Northeast by Tuesday. While Washington, D.C., and other areas in the mid-Atlantic and New England brace for high temperatures, the threat of thunderstorms, high winds, and heavy rainfall looms, with heat indices set to near 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the Chicago area.

As temperatures rise across the country, late-season snow is forecast for the northern Rockies, with winter storm warnings in effect for parts of Montana and Idaho. Simultaneously, heavy rainfall and flash flooding are expected in the central Gulf Coast, while intense flooding in southern Florida begins to recede. All these weather phenomena occur in the midst of an active hurricane season, adding to the challenges faced by residents across the nation.