Heat wave still scorching western US (with forecast video)

High temperatures will crack 100 degrees in the Central Valley of California along the Interstate 5 corridor, from Redding to Sacramento, Stockton and Bakersfield. Areas between the Central Valley and San Francisco, as well as the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, will warm into the 90s.

Meanwhile, highs in the Las Vegas and Phoenix metropolitan areas could hit or exceed 110 degrees, in addition to communities in the southern California deserts. In Death Valley, the mercury could top 120 degrees!

The overwhelming heat may impact drivers in three major freight markets that rank in the top 20 in terms of total outbound tender volumes (OTVI) – Ontario and Stockton, California, as well as Phoenix, Arizona. They rank second, 13th and 17th, respectively, according to FreightWaves SONAR, and account for a combined 7.8% of the nation’s outbound freight.

Drivers will need to take extra good care of themselves, their trucks, and their temperature-sensitive loads if they’re hauling reefer freight such as produce or beverages.

Parts of the Southwest will get a break from the heat starting Friday, as the high pressure moves eastward and low pressure approaches the West Coast. However, the heat wave could keep going through this weekend in portions of Arizona and southeastern California.

Have a great day! Please stay healthy and be careful out there!