Christmas heat wave could break dozens of temperature records

Data: Global Forecast System; Chart: Erin Davis/Axios VisualsForget a White Christmas — much of America will have a white-hot Christmas.The big picture: Dozens of temperature records could be broken as part of the late December heat wave.Zoom in: Thursday's high temperatures will be in the 70s across parts of the South and Southeast, per the latest forecasts. Daily highs might even poke into the 80s in parts of Texas.Some areas could see highs as much as 30 degrees above normal.Temperatures will be around normal across the Northeast.Between the lines: The unusually high temperatures come as a high pressure system drives warm Gulf air up into the southern U.S.Blasts of warm air this late in the year aren't unheard of.Yet this particular event is "at least two to three times more likely to occur due to human-caused carbon pollution," per research group Climate Central.It's working on "rapid attribution" techniques meant to quickly link specific weather events to climate change. Via NWS Los AngelesAnother "atmospheric river" event is set to fuel major downpours and flooding across California this week.NWS forecasters in L.A.: "Potential flooding impacts include the threat of significant and widespread urban roadway flooding, a high risk of major rock/mudslides, and rapid rises in creeks, streams, and rivers which will likely lead to swift water rescues."Over 40 million people are under flood watch as of Tuesday morning.Also expected: A "prolonged heavy snow event" in the Sierras.One person in Redding, California died over the weekend after getting stranded in their car during previous flooding.