Multiple tropical systems, including remnants of hurricanes Priscilla and Octave and a developing storm off Mexico, are causing a prolonged flood threat in the Desert Southwest, with Arizona facing a potential major flood risk by the end of the week.
Over 35 million Americans are under alert for dangerous heat and fire weather this weekend, with extreme temperatures in the Southwest and Northwest, including record highs and fire risks, though conditions are expected to ease early next week.
Remnants of Tropical Storm Alvin are bringing unusual rainfall and cooler temperatures to the Southwest U.S. and fueling thunderstorms across the Plains, with potential for severe weather including damaging winds and hail from Texas to Minnesota and Wisconsin in the coming days.
A heat dome is causing extreme temperatures across California and the Southwest, with record highs expected from New Mexico to California. Twenty-seven million people are under heat warnings, with temperatures soaring 10 to 25 degrees above average. The heat wave will expand into Oregon and Washington by Friday and ease by Sunday. The Florida peninsula will also experience high temperatures, while strong storms are possible along the East Coast.
The American Southwest is bracing for its first major heat wave of the year, with temperatures expected to soar 5 to 20 degrees above historical averages starting Tuesday. Record-high temperatures are possible in several states, including California, Arizona, and Nevada. The National Weather Service warns of significant heat through Thursday, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses and forest fires. Despite recent rainfall, California's dry topsoil could fuel more fires, as evidenced by a recent 14,000-acre fire in San Joaquin County.
A heat dome is set to bring extreme, triple-digit temperatures to the Southwest starting Tuesday, affecting over 25 million Americans under a heat alert. Central California, southern Nevada, and western Arizona will experience temperatures 20 degrees above normal, with Las Vegas and Phoenix expected to hit 111 degrees by Wednesday. The heat dome is expected to last until Thursday, with severe health impacts anticipated. Residents are advised to stay hydrated and avoid direct sunlight.
A heat dome is causing temperatures to soar into the triple digits across California and the West, with excessive heat warnings affecting over 10 million people. The early-season heat wave is setting daily records and increasing fire danger, particularly in California's Central Valley where the Corral Fire is burning. Major cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas are experiencing unusually high temperatures weeks earlier than normal, and the heat is expected to expand to the Pacific Northwest by the end of the week.
The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings for parts of California, Nevada, Arizona, and southern Utah, with temperatures expected to exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit and potentially reach lethal levels. Cities like Fresno, Las Vegas, and Lake Havasu City are among those at risk, with the most severe heat expected on Thursday. Residents are advised to stay hydrated, avoid the sun, and check on vulnerable individuals.
Damage to the infrastructure of Glen Canyon Dam, including deterioration in steel tubes that allow water to pass through the dam, has raised concerns about potential water shortages in the Southwest, particularly for California, Nevada, Arizona, and Mexico. The dam's design poses structural risks under low reservoir levels, potentially leaving as much water stranded as California's largest reservoir. Federal officials are analyzing potential fixes, but the situation adds complications to long-term water management plans for the Colorado River, which has long been overallocated and has seen reduced flows due to climate change.
Small-town mayors in southwest Arkansas reported that the eclipse crowds were disappointing, with the actual numbers not meeting the expectations set by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
Before the bell, stocks such as Oracle, Kohl's, Coinbase, and Southwest are making significant moves, with investors keeping a close eye on their performance in the market.
Southwest Airlines faces backlash over its new seat redesign, which includes larger bin space, device holders, power outlets, and premium aircraft seats, but has been criticized for potential lack of legroom. Despite the airline's claims of enhanced comfort and support, many travelers have expressed disappointment and concern over the new seats, with nearly 20,000 negative comments on a TikTok video revealing a first-look at the new seats. Southwest has defended the redesign, stating that the original images were 2D renderings and provided 3D photos showing more padding, while emphasizing their commitment to customer satisfaction.
Southwest Airlines faces backlash over its new seat redesign, which includes larger bin space, device holders, power outlets, and premium aircraft seats, but has been criticized for potential lack of legroom. Despite the airline's claims of enhanced comfort and support, social media users have expressed disappointment and concern over the new seats, with nearly 20,000 negative comments on a TikTok video. Southwest has defended the redesign, stating that the new seats will still have the same width and legroom as the current ones, and provided 3D photos showing more padding. Other airlines, such as British Airways, are also upgrading their seating as the post-COVID-19 air travel landscape continues to evolve.
Chase Southwest Cards are offering a new welcome offer that includes a Companion Pass for a year, allowing unlimited use of the pass through February 2025 and bonus points with a new Southwest credit card. To qualify, applicants need to meet the minimum spending requirement of $4,000 within three months and will receive 30,000 Rapid Rewards points. This offer is available for eligible Southwest consumer credit cards, providing a valuable benefit for Southwest travelers.
Chase is offering a special deal on Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards credit cards, providing a Companion Pass and 30,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. The offer is available for all three consumer cards and ends on March 11, 2024. The Companion Pass allows a designated person to travel for free (plus taxes) whenever the cardholder flies, doubling the value of points and making it a great deal for regular Southwest flyers.