Triple-digit temps return: Desert Southwest braces for early week heat spike

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Get ready for a scorcher. The Desert Southwest is heading into another stretch of hotter-than-normal weather, with temperatures expected to soar well into the triple digits starting Sunday and continuing into early next week.

According to the National Weather Service, a strong ridge of high pressure is building over the region, locking in dry and sunny conditions.

The setup is expected to push daytime highs roughly five to ten degrees above average for this time of year. In Yuma and across parts of Imperial and La Paz counties, temperatures could reach or exceed 110 degrees during the first half of the week.

Phoenix and surrounding areas will also see hotter-than-usual weather, with highs hovering around 105 degrees.

While triple-digit heat is no stranger to the region in June, this spike is coming early and is enough to raise heat safety concerns.

Forecasters have issued widespread moderate HeatRisk alerts, especially from Sunday through Tuesday, when the heat is expected to peak. By mid-to-late week, temperatures may dip slightly, but they'll still remain well above seasonal norms.

Humidity levels will stay extremely low throughout the week, with afternoon relative humidity falling to near 10% and only partial recovery overnight.

This makes conditions ripe for dehydration and could also increase the potential for wildfire activity. Fire weather experts are keeping an eye on wind speeds, which are expected to remain mostly light but could pick up slightly later in the week, raising fire danger just enough to keep crews on alert.

Rain chances are nonexistent for now, and skies will remain mostly clear. It’s a typical early June setup, but forecasters are also monitoring long-range data showing a possible surge of even hotter weather toward mid-month.

Some models suggest high pressure could intensify over Arizona or New Mexico, potentially bringing extreme heat into the region next weekend.

Health officials are reminding residents to take precautions during the heat wave.

This means staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activity during the peak afternoon hours, checking on vulnerable neighbors and family members, and never leaving pets or children in parked vehicles. Local fire departments also urge caution with outdoor flames or tools that could spark in dry brush.