The southwest will have the hottest day of the year so far on Thursday afternoon as a heat dome reaches peak intensity in the region.
The temperature will go up to 25 degrees above what is normal for this time of the year, with some areas likely to top 110 degrees.
The heat will continue through the weekend and will ease a bit next week.
Heat domes are large areas of high pressure that stays over an area, traps air, and heats it with sunshine for days or weeks.
Excessive heat warnings are issues in California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. The rising temperatures will be dangerous for those exposed to the elements.
Many construction workers exposed in hot environments or extreme heat can be at risk of heat-related illnesses (HRIs) and injuries.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), construction workers exposed to heat are at risk for HRIs such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, fainting, heat cramps, and heat rash.
Between 1992 and 2016, 285 construction workers died from HRIs. This is over a third of all U.S. occupational deaths from heat exposure.
Last year, President Biden announced plans to protect workers and communities from the rising temperatures that are sweeping across the U.S.
Biden directed the U.S. Department of Labor to increase enforcement of heat-safety violations and inspections in high-risk workplaces such as construction sites.
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Source: Roads & Bridges, KSHB.com, ABC 12
