The temperatures are still rising.

Meteorologists are reaching for superlatives to describe an oncoming heat wave so intense and rare for this time of year that it could leave some locations shattering their all-time temperature records for April before that month has even begun.

A heat wave in Southern California this week is expected to shatter records — with temperatures set to surge 35 degrees above normal and into the triple digits. The National Weather Service warned Monday that “a dangerous heat wave” will scorch the region thisweek,

New Mexicans should prepare for a historic heat wave peaking this weekend. On Tuesday, the New Mexico Department of Health issued a warning advising residents to look out for signs of heat illness as the temperature jumps to levels the National Weather Service said usually arrive just before June.

"Warm weather will accelerate snowmelt" at higher elevations, the National Weather Service says.