"Temperatures hit 100°F in northern Minnesota, 112°F in Texas, and 115°F in Mexico."
"One of the most eye-popping late-spring heat waves on record made its way from the Pacific Coast into the center of North America this week. Numerous towns and cities have notched their hottest days and/or warmest nights ever experienced this early in the season, and some have soared to readings unheard of anytime before June.
The warm air was drawn north from the fast-heating drylands of northern Mexico and the southwest U.S. by a powerful upper low pushing across the continent. Hollywood and vicinity got a sneak preview of the evolving heat wave last weekend before it went nationwide. Burbank, California, set records with 98°F and 101°F on Friday and Saturday, May 9 and 10. Even a mere 81°F was enough for a daily record on Saturday at the Los Angeles International Airport, where sea breezes often keep spring heat tamped down.
Early-spring heat waves, such as the great “warm wave” of March 2012, can feel more pleasant than problematic, even if they trigger major problems such as fruit trees blooming too early to avoid frost damage. But this week, with sunshine already at late-July levels, the burners were turned on full blast all the way from northeast Mexico into southern Canada."
Bob Henson reports for Yale Climate Connections May 15, 2025.
SEE ALSO:
"6 Days Into Northeast Minnesota Wildfires, Residents Yearn To Get Back Home" (MPR News)
"Extreme Heat Warning Comes For Texas – And Other Spots You Wouldn't Expect" (USA TODAY)
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