Heat Wave Expected to Bring Record-Breaking Temps, Heighten Wildfire Risk to Parts of Western US
Climate scientists say July 2026 is likely to set a U.S. heat record as overnight temperatures, humidity and fire danger all rise.
- An intense heat dome is bringing dangerous temperatures to the Western United States this weekend, with about 55 million people under heat alerts across Arizona, California, and Nevada.
- A ridge of high pressure is trapping heat near the ground, while El Nino, a natural warming of the Pacific Ocean, is spiking temperatures globally. Climate change is further intensifying these heat waves, making them more frequent and severe.
- Death Valley, California, could reach a searing 127 degrees, while Needles, California, is forecast to hit 119 degrees Saturday. Las Vegas and Phoenix are expected to reach 115 degrees across the Southwest and Intermountain West.
- Extreme heat is straining health systems while the National Weather Service in Spokane, Washington, warned of "extremely critical risk" for fire weather. Strong winds and low humidity are driving rapid fire growth across Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Wyoming.
- Cooling centers remain open in Los Angeles through Sunday, though above-average temperatures are forecast to extend into next week. Climate scientist Brian Brettschneider indicated July 2026 is on track to become the warmest month on record for the contiguous United States.
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33 Articles
Associated Press News
Heat wave expected to bring record-breaking temps, heighten wildfire risk to parts of Western US
Dangerous heat was expected in parts of the Western U.S. this weekend, prompting warnings for people to stay inside and heightening wildfire risks in many areas.
Western U.S. is facing a weekend of record heat | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
Blistering heat was expected to spread across a vast portion of the western United States through the weekend, with temperatures soaring into the 90s and even to over 120 degrees from the deserts of Arizona and California to the rolling plains of Montana.
Record Heat Dome Pushes Southwest Highs Toward 120°F
LAS VEGAS, NV — Meteorologists warned Friday that July 2026 is on track to become the warmest month on record across the contiguous United States as an unprecedented high-pressure heat dome settles firmly over Southern Nevada and the Southwest. Extremes Across the Mojave Desert National weather data reveals that a wide band of high pressure anchored over Arizona, California, and Nevada is driving temperatures to extreme levels: Valley Floor Hig…
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