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Western Us

All articles tagged with #western us

West Sizzles Under Record Heat as Hawaii Faces Severe Flooding
environment18 days ago

West Sizzles Under Record Heat as Hawaii Faces Severe Flooding

Western states are experiencing a historic early-season heat wave, setting dozens of March temperature records (Phoenix hit 105F; forecast to exceed 200 more records), with rapid attribution studies finding such heat waves four times more likely due to climate change and threatening snowpack and water supplies. Meanwhile Hawaii faces relentless Kona-low storms causing severe flooding, with the Wahiawa Dam stressed and roughly $1 billion in damage plus about $11 million in farmer losses; officials have requested a major disaster declaration and relief efforts are underway.

West bakes under early heat dome, shattering March records
weather22 days ago

West bakes under early heat dome, shattering March records

An early-week heat wave overwhelmed the West, with about 38 million people under heat alerts as temperatures surged into the 90s and 100s and numerous March records were set from California to Arizona (e.g., Palm Springs 107°F, Indio 108°F, Phoenix’s earliest 100°F day). Boise also logged an 80°F winter high, and Las Vegas reached a March-record 95°F. The heat is forecast to move east into the Rockies and Plains, raising wildfire risks in Colorado and surrounding states.

Desert West Braces for Lengthy Heat Wave and Record-Breaking Temperatures
weather24 days ago

Desert West Braces for Lengthy Heat Wave and Record-Breaking Temperatures

A persistent high-pressure system is driving a long-duration heat wave across the western U.S., pushing triple-digit temperatures and potentially shattering century-old records in cities like Phoenix; more than 600 daily highs and lows are expected to break records through mid-next week, with extreme heat warnings in effect from the Southwest to Phoenix as residents are urged to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged outdoor activity.

Snow Drought, Strikes and Politics Rearrange Western U.S. Ski Season
travel2 months ago

Snow Drought, Strikes and Politics Rearrange Western U.S. Ski Season

A historic snow drought across the Western United States, paired with labor strikes at major resorts and restrictive international travel, has left the 2026 ski season among the worst in decades. Resorts report limited terrain and closures (e.g., Telluride), skier visits down sharply, lodging occupancy slipping, and political headwinds reducing international tourism, while the Northeast partly offsets the weakness. The drought also threatens water resources and foreshadows a volatile wildfire season, with little relief on the horizon.

Western US Faces Severe Snow Drought and Water Supply Concerns
environment3 months ago

Western US Faces Severe Snow Drought and Water Supply Concerns

The western US is experiencing a snow drought in 2026, worsened by atmospheric river storms that caused heavy rainfall and melting of snowpack, which is critical for regional water supplies. Warmer temperatures have led to more rain instead of snow, exacerbating water shortages and increasing risks of flooding and landslides. Scientists are working to improve predictions and understand storm impacts to better manage water resources amid climate change.

Record-Breaking Heat Wave Scorches Western U.S.
weather1 year ago

Record-Breaking Heat Wave Scorches Western U.S.

A major heat wave is intensifying across parts of the Western U.S., with record-high temperatures expected in California, Nevada, and Arizona. The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings, predicting temperatures 10-15 degrees above normal through the weekend. Areas like Las Vegas and Death Valley are experiencing extreme heat levels, posing significant health risks. Authorities are advising precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses and wildfires.

Record-Breaking Heat Wave Scorches Western U.S.
weather1 year ago

Record-Breaking Heat Wave Scorches Western U.S.

Nearly 19 million people in the Southwest U.S. are under an excessive heat warning as temperatures are expected to peak on Thursday, potentially breaking records in cities like Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Death Valley. The extreme heat will shift north into Oregon and Washington by the weekend, with some relief expected in the next 48 hours, though temperatures will remain above normal.

"Understanding Heat Domes and Their Impact on the Western US"
weather1 year ago

"Understanding Heat Domes and Their Impact on the Western US"

A heat dome, caused by high-pressure systems in the atmosphere, is bringing dangerously high temperatures to the Western U.S., with some areas experiencing highs over 100 degrees. This phenomenon traps heat like a lid on a pot, leading to prolonged periods of extreme heat. Climate change is making such heat events more frequent and intense. To stay safe, people should stay hydrated, seek shade, and check on vulnerable individuals. The National Weather Service and other agencies are issuing heat advisories and providing resources to help people manage the heat.

"Life-Threatening Heat Dome Scorches Western US"
weather1 year ago

"Life-Threatening Heat Dome Scorches Western US"

A heat dome is causing extreme temperatures across the western US, affecting over 34 million people in states like California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings, with temperatures expected to reach triple digits and potentially break records. This heat wave follows last year's deadly summer and is attributed to human-induced climate change, making such events more frequent and intense.

"Honolulu Leads U.S. in 1-Bedroom Rent Hikes"
real-estate1 year ago

"Honolulu Leads U.S. in 1-Bedroom Rent Hikes"

Honolulu, Hawaii, has experienced the highest year-over-year rent increase for one-bedroom apartments in the western U.S., with a 3.3% rise from $1,783 in 2023 to $1,841 in 2024. Despite a national trend of decreasing median rents, other western metro areas like Albuquerque, NM, and Seattle, WA, have also seen significant rent hikes. Factors contributing to Honolulu's high cost of living include its reliance on imported goods and high gas prices.

"Unveiling Colorado River's Water Usage: A Comprehensive Study"
environment2 years ago

"Unveiling Colorado River's Water Usage: A Comprehensive Study"

A report published in Communications Earth & Environment reveals that over half of the Colorado River's water flow is used for agricultural irrigation, with alfalfa and grass hay for cattle feed accounting for a third of the usage. The study aims to aid negotiations for conserving water allocated from the river, as legal agreements are set to expire in 2026. With the river's volume decreasing and reservoirs dropping, there is a pressing need for reduced water consumption and leaving more water to support ecosystems. Farmers are facing pressure to adapt to a future with less water, as they may need to reduce their water use by 20%.