Historic Heat Wave May Set Records in Over 140 Cities: Best Ways To Prepare and Protect Your Home During Extreme Heat

A historic March heat wave has smashed monthly records in dozens of cities from California all the way to Missouri. 

Just as other parts of the country are recovering from a frosty, snowy winter, triple-digit temperatures are slamming places like Palm Springs, CA, and much of southeast California far earlier than they should.

So far, 65 cities have already tied or set new March record highs this week, according to The Weather Channel. Phoenix had only its second 100-degree high in March on Wednesday (102 degrees), while Las Vegas (94 degrees); Reno, NV (86 degrees); and Sacramento, CA (88 degrees) all set records on the same day. 

San Francisco climbed to 86 degrees, breaking a March 17 record—by one degree—that had stood since 1914. Residents flocked to the beach in bathing suits as if it was the middle of summer!

But the heat wave comes in different variations. Highs in the 70s tied or set March records in Laramie, WY (71 degrees) and Casper, WY (78 degrees).

And in Breckenridge, CO, it was so warm, male skiers and snowboarders were seen sailing down the slopes shirtless.

And the truth is, there’s no end in sight. 

The National Weather Service continues to issue extreme heat warnings and advisories, covering the Southwest and extending to parts of the Plains and South later this week and into the weekend.

While the northern and central U.S. may see some cooler air starting Sunday, record high temperatures are expected to last in the Southwest through at least the first half of next week.

The ways extreme heat can damage your home

When it comes to property damage during a heat wave, most homeowners should focus on the outside elements. 

For starters, if your roof hasn’t been replaced in a number of years, you may be at risk of your roofing materials melting or being damaged. 

Additionally, harsh weather conditions will typically lead to dead landscaping, which is not only an eyesore, but creates a higher risk of fire if conditions remain dry for extended periods. 

The biggest concerns, though, should be the foundation of your home as well as your electrical systems and HVAC units. During extreme heat, foundation problems can arise due to soil shrinkage. Shrinking soil can pull away from the foundation, causing uneven settling. It can also lead to warped or cracked wood in floors, framing and ceilings, as well as misaligned doors and windows.

And more than likely, you’ll be running your AC units—either in the wall or windows, or your central unit attached to the HVAC. Strain on the system can lead to problems, including shorting out the unit, leaving you in a very hot situation indeed. 

Cooling your home efficiently during a heat wave

The best way to ensure your HVAC system doesn’t run into a problem is to give it a helping hand. 

For starters, make sure you’re changing the air filters regularly and getting the HVAC routinely maintenance. If finances allow, upgrading to a smart thermostat can also help regulate the temperature in your home and ensure you’re not increasing your electricity bill unnecessarily. 

But there are other, more strategic moves you can make while at home. Sunlight shining through the windows is a major source of heat in the home. Blackout curtains can keep your bedroom cool, if pulled shut throughout the day. Cooking with appliances that generate less heat, like air fryers and microwaves, will keep the temperature from rising in the kitchen. 

Perhaps the best tip is to use a ceiling fan at the same time as your air conditioner. A ceiling fan will help circulate the cool air quicker than the AC alone.

And to ensure you don’t blow a fuse, avoid running major appliances like your washer and dryer during peak heat hours. Stick to the evening. 

What to upgrade before summer to protect your home

The best defense is a good offense, so taking steps to “heatproof” your home before the summer months is a good idea. 

One of the best ways to get the most out of your AC system is to consider treating your roof with heat-protectant, reflective coating. Even switching to light-colored roofing materials will help. 

If your home has an attic, consider installing a continuous ventilation system to keep your house from trapping heat. And while we typically think of insulation as a cold-weather protection, proper insulation can also help keep your house cool in the summer.