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Dangerous heat in the Southwest<\/strong><\/p>\n Memorial Day<\/strong>, falling this year on Monday, May 26<\/strong>, brings not only solemn ceremonies honoring American service members, but also weather threats<\/em> that could severely impact attendees\u2014especially older veterans<\/strong>. Across parts of the Southwest<\/strong>, including Phoenix<\/strong>, Las Vegas<\/strong>, and Palm Springs<\/strong>, triple-digit temperatures<\/strong> are forecasted, with highs reaching into the low 100s Fahrenheit<\/strong> (approximately 38\u201340\u00b0C<\/strong>). According to AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham<\/strong>, some areas in southern Arizona<\/strong> and interior Southern California<\/strong> may be the hottest<\/strong> in the nation.<\/p>\n This intense heat<\/strong> aligns with Memorial Day events expected to attract up to 100,000 participants<\/strong> across the country. In Arizona<\/strong> and California<\/strong>, where multiple outdoor ceremonies are scheduled, the risk of heat exhaustion<\/strong> is a major concern. Buckingham advises hydration<\/strong>, minimizing physical exertion<\/strong>, and quick recognition of heat illness symptoms<\/strong> as crucial measures.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Severe storms from the Plains to the Southeast<\/strong><\/p>\n In stark contrast, a very different threat<\/strong> looms over states from the southern Plains<\/strong> through the Southeast<\/strong>. Here, severe thunderstorms<\/strong>\u2014featuring damaging winds<\/strong>, hail<\/strong>, and a potential for tornadoes<\/strong>\u2014are forecast throughout the weekend and into Memorial Day<\/strong>. Areas such as Oklahoma<\/strong>, Arkansas<\/strong>, northern Texas<\/strong>, and Mississippi<\/strong> are expected to be in the storm path, with the Ozarks region<\/strong> in southern Missouri<\/strong> and northern Arkansas<\/strong> particularly vulnerable.<\/p>\n The hilly terrain<\/strong> in the Ozarks<\/strong>, combined with a surge of campers<\/strong> and holiday visitors<\/strong>, increases the flooding risk<\/strong>, especially as repeated rounds of rain<\/strong> could lead to rapid water rise. Flash flooding in such areas can escalate quickly, catching people off guard in low-lying or poorly drained locations.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Safety reminders from the National Weather Service<\/strong><\/p>\n The National Weather Service<\/strong> emphasized the broader dangers of thunderstorms on Friday, warning that strong winds<\/strong>, flooding<\/strong>, and hail<\/strong> are not the only hazards. Lightning<\/strong> remains a deadly threat. The agency urges anyone hearing thunder or seeing lightning to immediately seek shelter<\/strong> in a closed building<\/strong> or hard-topped vehicle with windows up<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Widespread Memorial Day ceremonies continue<\/strong><\/p>\n Despite the weather threats, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)<\/strong> is moving forward with ceremonies at over 130 national cemeteries<\/strong> nationwide. These events hold deep significance, especially for veterans and their families<\/strong>, and will proceed with close monitoring of local weather alerts<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Stay informed with NWS forecasts<\/strong> and plan accordingly to stay safe and protected<\/strong> during this national day of remembrance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Dangerous heat in the Southwest Memorial Day, falling this year on Monday, May 26, brings not only solemn ceremonies honoring American service members, but also weather threats that could severely impact attendees\u2014especially older veterans. Across parts of the Southwest, including Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Palm Springs, triple-digit temperatures are forecasted, with highs reaching into the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":2771,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2770","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n