Potentially lethal heatwave grips Southwest as temperatures sizzle 25 degrees above summer normal

Californians may see up to 14 power disruptions over the season.

A massive heat wave will envelop the American southwest this week, and into the foreseeable future, as California is warned to expect blackouts. The danger from this record breaking heatwave is extreme and people are urged to take precautions.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - A perfect storm of natural conditions has combined in the American southwest to create a dangerous heat dome over the region. The dangerous heatwave is expected to see temperatures in Los Angeles spike well over 100 degrees. State power authorities have also warned that a gas leak at a crucial storage facility could stress the power grid resulting in blackouts across the region.

Arizona is ground zero for the heatwave which is centered over the southeastern portion of the state. However, its devastating effects reach all the way to Northern California, and will even warm San Francisco, which usually enjoys cool summers.

Daily high temperatures will far exceed 100 degrees in most places, and the dryness of the heat will have a dehydrating effect on everything, especially plants and people.

Death Valley sent a record high of 129 degrees on June 30, 2013, which is the highest temperature ever recorded in June. That record will be challenged and may likely fall as early as today.

While American Southwest regularly experiences heatwaves during the summer, this one is dangerously different. It appears to be powerful and substantial, it will last for a long time, well over a week. This will have a killing effect on vegetation, turning thousands of square miles of brush into kindling. The heat will also stress the bodies of children and the elderly and those who work outdoors.

Finally, a gas leak at the Aliso Canyon storage facility could result in limited natural gas supplies, which in turn means power plants could go offline. To plug the gap, the state's authorities have authorized some power plants to burn diesel fuel, which is more polluting than natural gas.

California officials have warned residents to expect up to 14 power outages over the coming season.

Many communities are opening cooling centers where people can go an enjoy air conditioning for a bit, which could be a matter of life and death, especially for the elderly.

Finally, such an early, powerful heatwave as this sets the conditions for massive wildfires. Wildfires are common across the region, but their severity can vary greatly, often depending on how hot the season is. A hot, dry season, especially following a wet winter, as in this case, is particularly dangerous.

People living in these conditions are advised to clear brush away from their property, and to maintain ample supplies of water. Anyone who feels they are becoming too hot, especially if they feel fatigued, stop sweating and urinating, should get themselves hydrated and find a cool place at once. Anyone who cannot do so should call 911 to be taken to the hospital or at least a cooling center. Anyone with elderly friends or family members are advised to look in on them, especially in the afternoon and evening.

California residents should be prepared for possible power outages in the afternoons.

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