A strong ridge of high pressure is expected to push temperatures well above normal across western parts of the United States and into Mexico this week. Meteorologists say daytime highs could be 10–15°C above average in some locations.
The US National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for parts of California and Arizona, with extreme heat warnings in effect for Monday and Tuesday in spots such as Palm Springs, where readings may reach 40–43°C (104–110°F). Elsewhere in the region, temperatures are forecast to climb into the high 30s Celsius before the heat shifts eastward toward the Midwest later in the week.
In South Africa, meanwhile, hazardous weather is likely to persist across southern provinces, with heavy, persistent rain and damaging winds increasing the risk of flooding. Rain arrived from the Atlantic across the Western and Northern Cape on Sunday and continued into the weekend.
Forecasters say some areas of the Western Cape could receive more than 200mm of rain between Monday and Wednesday, with mountain zones potentially approaching 300mm. The South African Weather Service has warned of the threat of flash floods, mudslides, rockfalls and damage to roads, bridges and property.
Strong north-westerly to westerly gusts are expected over large parts of the southern region, including the Western and Eastern Cape, with speeds exceeding 60mph (about 97km/h) in exposed areas and even higher gusts over elevated terrain such as the Cape Fold Mountains.
The current warnings follow severe storms earlier this month. Between 5 and 7 May heavy rain caused widespread flooding, road closures and infrastructure damage across the Western and Eastern Cape. Some locations recorded more than 300mm of rain.
The deluge forced evacuations in the Gamtoos Valley after the Kouga Dam exceeded capacity. Widespread power outages and at least 45 road closures left many communities cut off. Emergency services reported one fatality in Knysna and more than 2,000 people moved to shelters.
Authorities are urging residents in vulnerable areas to heed warnings, avoid flooded roads, and prepare for further disruption as the weather systems progress.