New York: The western United States is enduring another wave of record-breaking heat, with triple-digit temperatures expected to affect cities from Southern California to northern Idaho through the middle of the week.
Approximately 30 million people are under heat advisories or excessive heat warnings through Wednesday, with temperatures projected to exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 Celsius), according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Affected states include parts of California, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
Central Oregon and parts of Washington are also facing heightened wildfire risks due to the extreme heat and dry conditions. Firefighters are actively combating several wildfires in Oregon, including the Lone Rock Fire, which has burned over 116,000 acres (470 square kilometers) in the northern part of the state. About 40% of the fire has been contained. Officials warn that thunderstorms moving through the region could complicate firefighting efforts.
In Oregon’s Malheur County, the Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation orders due to the spreading Durkee Fire in the eastern part of the state. Additionally, wildfires in Alberta and British Columbia in western Canada have prompted evacuations over the weekend.
Research indicates that fossil fuel-driven climate change is contributing to increasingly dangerous heat waves globally. Officials are highlighting major health risks associated with extreme heat, including heat stroke.
“At least for the next four days it looks pretty hot across a good part of the western U.S., and at least in the next two days there’s definitely potential for some record high temperatures across parts of the interior Pacific Northwest and down towards the desert Southwest,” NWS meteorologist Bob Oravec said.
The Northwest will experience the most significant weather anomalies, with temperatures in much of Washington state about 20 degrees higher than usual for this time of year. Major cities like Seattle and Portland are expected to avoid the most extreme heat.
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Cities such as Yakima, Spokane, and Mack in Washington are forecasted to exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) and set new records. Boise, Idaho, may tie a record of 107 degrees Fahrenheit (42 Celsius), Oravec said.
On the West Coast, temperatures are expected to be around 10 degrees above normal. Las Vegas might match a record of 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 Celsius) on Sunday, while Death Valley National Park in California is anticipated to soar above 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 Celsius).
“For Monday, the potential to break records decreases, but temperatures will still remain well above average across the same general areas,” Oravec noted.
On Saturday, records were set in Baker, Oregon, and Alturas, California, Oravec added.
