US weather: Country split in half by abnormally hot and cold temperatures

Record-setting heat could sweep southwest while southeast unusually cold, report says

The US is set to be divided almost down the middle by abnormal temperature extremes for the time of year, reports say.

The country can expect cold conditions well below normal temperatures in the east and record-setting heat in the eouthwest this week, according to a report by CNN.

“Heat watches, warnings or advisories cover roughly 14 million in the Southwest, including Phoenix,” CNN meteorologist Dave Hennen said.

Southwest temperatures could build to record high temperatures into Thursday with much of the area having been placed under an excessive heat warning.

While the deserts are used to excessive temperatures, the predicted heat in these states is unheard of for this time of year.

“Afternoon temperatures of 104 to 108 (40 to 42 Celsius) expected,” the National Weather Service in Phoenix said.

In Los Angeles, temperatures are set to surpass the expected mid-70s Fahrenheit (about 23 Celsius) usually expected for this time of year, possibly rising into the 80s and mid 90s (about 35 Celsius).

“In contrast the eastern US will see temperatures as cold as 25 to 30 degrees below normal over the next several days and into the weekend,” Mr Hennen said.

The meteorologist said that the areas could see the “coldest Mothers Day weekend in quite some time”.

“Temperatures on Mothers Day are likely to remain in the 40s across much of the northeast,” CNN meteorologist Taylor Ward noted.

Lots of the record lows are expected in different areas over the weekend from the Great Lakes and northeast all the way to the Gulf Coast.

Only a few areas that are closer to the coast will reach temperatures in the low 50s, according to the meteorologist.

These kinds of temperatures in the northeast are more reflective of the second weekend in March rather than May, the broadcaster said.