Officials have closed several hiking trails at Lake Mead National Recreation Area as meteorologists warn of dangerous heat engulfing parts of the western U.S.
According to a notice from the National Park Service (NPS) Goldstrike Hot Springs, Arizona Hot Springs, Liberty Bell Arch, White Rock Canyon, and Lone Palm trails are closed “until conditions improve.”
The NPS warned that “conditions are dangerous, with a high risk of heat illness” and urged Lake Mead visitors to respect the closures.
“If visiting, know that emergency response may be delayed if needed/required/requested,” the agency said, advising visitors to carry extra water with them, avoid the midday heat, and to “know your limits.”
As of reporting, an extreme heat warning for Lake Mead and surrounding areas in California, Arizona, and Nevada from the National Weather Service (NWS) is in effect until 8 p.m. local time on Sunday, with the agency warning of “dangerously hot temperatures climbing to near-30 degrees above seasonal normals.”
The NWS said that the “extreme” early-season heat along with high tourism rates will make the heat “very dangerous,” especially for those not acclimated to the heat or those travelling from cooler climates.
“Numerous daily and monthly heat records are in jeopardy through at least Sunday,” it added.
The agency is advising those in effected areas to keep hydrated, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and to check up on neighbors and relatives. It also recommends wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, and limiting strenuous activities to the early morning or evening.
“Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles,” it warned. “Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.”
In an email sent to Newsweek on Wednesday, forecasters at AccuWeather said the “robust heat dome” will usher in early‑summer temperatures across the Southwest through the weekend, affecting roughly 70 million people as record‑threatening heat takes hold.
Temperatures are expected to run 20–30 degrees above normal, with widespread highs in the 90s and triple digits across major metro areas, according to the outlet.
“This is not typical March warmth. Millions of people are experiencing heat that typically does not arrive until late April, May or even June. The Southwest is getting a dangerous preview of summer before spring has fully settled in,” said senior AccuWeather meteorologist Tyler Roys.
“This heat dome is not just early and intense—it is stubborn. A multiday stretch of extreme heat significantly increases the risk of heat-related illnesses.
“This level of prolonged March heat can strain people, power demand and water resources all at once. Many people are not yet acclimated to triple-digit temperatures this early in the season. There is an increased risk of heat-related illnesses. People trying to cool off at the beach or in cold rivers and lakes should be aware of the risk of cold-water shock,” Roys added.
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