A large swath of the United States is bracing for dangerously high temperatures on Wednesday, right before the long Fourth of July weekend. Meteorologists have issued heat advisories and warnings as a fast-moving wildfire in California forces thousands to evacuate their homes.
Approximately 110 million people across 21 states, including the West, southern Plains, and the Mid-Atlantic, are under heat-related advisories and warnings. The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts temperatures will soar well past 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) over the next few days.
“It’s really hot; I don’t know how else to put it,” said Jacob Asherman, a meteorologist with the NWS Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland. “We’re having excessively hot weather across a lot of the country.”
The scorching weather coincides with the Independence Day weekend, a time when many Americans partake in outdoor activities like firework displays, parades, and music festivals.
Portland, Oregon, where conditions are typically mild, is expected to reach 100°F (38°C) on Friday, breaking a record for the date. Meanwhile, Jackson, Mississippi, known for its hot climate, is expected to reach 114°F (46°C).
Jen Scott, a hardware store manager in Portland, recalls, “It was a big deal if it hit 90 when I was a kid.” Early July temperatures typically maxed out in the low 80s. “But for the last few years, it’s been getting extra hot. But 100 is crazy,” she said. “We’re not used to this.” Scott, who manages Pearl Ace Hardware in Portland, noted that fans and air conditioners have been flying off the shelves.
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The weather service’s Jackson office advised on X, “Remember to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and make sure neighbors, relatives, and pets have a cool place to spend the day.”
In the Southwest, Phoenix is expected to hit 113°F (45°C) on Wednesday and 116°F (47°C) by Friday, with little relief in sight. Last summer, Arizona’s capital experienced a record-breaking 54 consecutive days with temperatures reaching 110°F (43°C) or higher, including 31 consecutive days in July.
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The brutal heat, combined with fierce winds and low humidity in Northern California, poses significant challenges for the 500 firefighters battling the Thompson Fire, which broke out on Tuesday morning. The blaze has already consumed 2,000 acres (809 hectares) in Butte County and the city of Oroville, forcing about 13,000 residents to evacuate.
Photos and videos from the area, located about 65 miles (105 km) north of Sacramento, show flames tearing through structures and vehicles. Smoke from the fire and other Northern California blazes is drifting south into San Francisco, prompting the 7.7 million Bay Area residents to limit driving and refrain from setting off Fourth of July fireworks due to poor air quality.
