A record-heat wave has started across the West. Multiple records are expected each day including all-time March records and even all time April records! An extremely anomalous upper-level ridge will build over the West and last well into the weekend:
Over 400 daily record highs are possible through the weekend:
Let’s take a closer look at some of the extreme temps. Phoenix for example is expected to reach 102° on Wednesday and even warmer temperatures later this week:
This would beat the previous earliest 100° on record by 8 days (Mar 26, 1988). The 106° later in the week would break March and April’s all time record high of 100° and 105°, respectively. The heat isn’t just confined to the desert areas like Phoenix. Salt Lake City is expected to reach at least 80° this week:
The previous March record high of 80° was set in 2012 on March 31st. This would be the earliest 80° on record by 11 days! Record heat will even be felt as far north as Great Falls, MT.
Record Spring Warmth and Fire Season
Winter across the West was already warm with several places having their warmest winter on record:
Due to the warm temperatures, snow pack for most places is less than 50% of where it should be this time of year:
This combination of low snowpack and an early heat wave continues to suggest an active fire season in the West. As far as drought goes, thanks to multiple heavy rain events, California is mostly drought free. Unfortunately, the rest of the region hasn’t been so lucky:
Typically, West fire seasons starts in May and peaks in August:
This year, an early start to the season is expected and an active season is also likely. Learn more about fire weather here.
Preparing for Wildfire Season
Effective fire weather monitoring combines multiple data streams:
- Surface weather conditions for immediate tactical decisions
- Lightning detection for ignition source identification
- Air quality monitoring for public health protection
- Fuel moisture indicators for strategic risk assessment
This integrated approach provides emergency managers with the comprehensive situational awareness needed for complex decision-making during fire events. One example of a community that uses Weatherstem to help in the battle against wildfires is Jefferson County, Colorado. They installed weather stations throughout the county that not only measure the typical weather parameters like wind and temperature, but also report the 10 hour fuel moisture:
This is a measurement of the amount of water in vegetation available to fire. When this value is low, fires start easily and will spread rapidly.
The time is now to prepare for what could be an active wildfire season. Contact us today to learn more about our solutions for your specific needs.