Temperatures well into the 90s - and beyond - are expected from Los Angeles to Denver this week as record highs are felt across the Southwest.

Experts cautioned people to stay inside with air conditioning and keep hydrated during the unusual March heat wave. Some meteorologists are ringing the alarm for potential wildfires.

“Early Heat Wave in the West, Fire Concerns in the Plains” was a National Weather Service website headline Tuesday, with summer-like heat already hitting the region. Temperatures into the weekend were expected to be between 15-30 degrees Fahrenheit above average.

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In Los Angeles, a dangerous heat wave this week triggered extreme heat warnings and a high risk for heat illness between Tuesday and Friday, as record temperatures were expected to push daily highs past 100 degrees.

Further north in the Bay Area, a moderate heat risk was in place for the week, with highs ranging from the 80s into the 90s, peaking in the inland areas.

“We have a very strong high pressure building overhead,” said meteorologist Roger Gass at the Monterey National Weather Service office, which oversees the Bay Area.

“It's currently just off the Central Coast, and it’s going to build inland through Wednesday and strengthen," Gass told The Center Square Tuesday.

Gass said the Bay area temperatures would be 20-30 degrees above average for March, triggering the first March heat advisory in 20 years. Despite the unusual heat, he warned Bay Area residents about the dangers of cold ocean waters.

“If you're flocking to the coast, remember that our water is pretty chilly this time of year,” said Gass. “So I would recommend to not enter the water, unless you're near a lifeguard.”

In the deserts of Arizona, the heat wave was expected to push daily highs into the 100s between Wednesday and Sunday in Phoenix, which would break historic records by nearly 10 degrees.

Extreme heat warnings sprawled the southern half of the state, with the local National Weather Service office warning residents to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

“It's going to bring well-above normal temperatures to the area, most likely record-setting heat and record highs for [Las] Vegas later in the week,” Las Vegas NWS meteorologist Brian Planz told The Center Square Tuesday. He added that the record-breaking temperatures were ushered in by a sharp increase in air pressure.

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In Southern Nevada, the NWS extreme heat warning had already brought near-record highs in the low 90s to start the week. The NWS gave Friday a 50 percent chance of hitting 100 degrees in Las Vegas, which would be the first 100-degree day recorded in March in the city’s history.

Planz said he was most concerned about non-residents being unaware of the extreme heat while visiting the gambling mecca for spring break.

“Try to stay in air conditioning during the hottest parts of the day. If you are outside, make sure you have sunscreen on and drink plenty of fluids,” recommended Planz. “Try to avoid alcohol during the hottest parts of the day. Stick to water.”

Further east into the plains, red flag fire warnings were in place outside of Denver amid record heat, a dry winter and high winds.

“No precipitation is in the forecast, and we will have critical fire weather conditions,” NWS Denver/Boulder meteorologist Kenley Bonner told The Center Square Tuesday.

Bonner later added, “Be wise. Don't do things that would spark a fire."

He advises people to keep camp stove at homes. "Don't throw cigarettes out the window, and just be smart.”

While the well-above average temperatures seriously increased the risk of fires, Bonner added that the weather in Denver and around Colorado would be unusually nice. “Absolutely go enjoy the nice weather. It's going to be a beautiful weekend – but just do it safely.”

Across the Southwest, the meteorologists recommended people to do the basics during high heat warnings. Stay in air conditioning when possible, hydrate throughout the day and limit intensive activity.

“If you're outdoors, take frequent breaks in the shade,” said Gass. “Remember to stay hydrated, especially with electrolytes – sports drinks with electrolytes – and water is very good.”

The record heat wave comes amid region-wide droughts and more frequent record-high temperature days in recent years as the nation and world, according to scientists, struggle with climate change.

“I think we can absolutely look back at the last few years and see how many records we've been setting. I think there's some correlation to that for sure,” Bonner said of climate change’s role in the current heat wave. “We're also in a weak La Niña [climate] pattern, and that seems to be a little warmer and drier when that's in place. So I think the combination of those things are absolutely playing a part in this.”