A ridge of high pressure is set to intensify heat across the western US and Mexico this week, pushing daytime temperatures 10-15°C above average. The US National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for parts of California and Arizona, with extreme heat warnings in Palm Springs where temperatures could reach 40-43°C (104-110°F). The heat is expected to shift eastward toward the Midwest later in the week.

Meanwhile, severe weather continues to threaten parts of South Africa, with disruptive rain and damaging winds raising flood risks. Rain moved in from the Atlantic over the Western and Northern Cape on Sunday, bringing persistent downpours. Between Monday and Wednesday, more than 200mm of rain could fall in parts of Western Cape, with mountainous areas possibly seeing up to 300mm.

The South African Weather Service has issued warnings for flash flooding, mudslides, rockfalls, and infrastructure damage. Strong northwesterly to westerly winds exceeding 60mph (97km/h) are expected early this week, with even stronger gusts over higher ground, especially the Cape Fold Mountains.

These warnings follow heavy rain on May 5-7 that triggered flooding, road closures, and infrastructure damage in the Western and Eastern Cape. Over 300mm of rain fell in some areas, forcing evacuations in Gamtoos Valley after the Kouga dam overflowed. Power outages and at least 45 road closures isolated communities. One person died in Knysna, Western Cape, and more than 2,000 people were evacuated to emergency shelters.

Source: www.theguardian.com