- The National Weather Service forecast 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius) in Las Vegas, the hottest temperature of the year; Phoenix was expected to reach 116F (47C), El Centro, California was expected to hit a record 118F (48C), and parts of Montana were expected to broil with a record 104F (40C).
- In Las Vegas, temperatures were 10 degrees above normal, with dangerous heat through Sunday and overnight lows in the upper 80s to low 90s, leaving no relief overnight, according to meteorologist Morgan Stessman.
- Forecasters warned that the heat wave would add to wildfire risks across the West; most of Montana was under a red flag warning, and Nevada saw afternoon relative humidity bottoming out in single digits.
- The Justa Center in Phoenix served about 200 people daily as a cooling center, and the Montana Rescue Mission in Billings opened early to provide relief from temperatures that could reach 106F (41C).
- In Montana, Great Falls was heading toward a record 104F (40C); officials called the mid-July heat wave that hit Billings at 111F (44C) rare, while city pools and splash pads were crowded.
- The U.S. Forest Service said there was enhanced wildfire risk through Sunday in most of Southern California; extreme heat and drought created dangerous wildfire conditions in the Pacific Northwest, and Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency.
- Ferguson also banned most outdoor and agricultural burning through the end of September, with more than 312 square miles (808 square kilometers) burning in 12 large fires; eastern Oregon was under a red flag alert as crews battled the Rowe Creek Complex fire.
A heat wave is gripping the western U.S., with temperatures reaching record highs and increasing wildfire risks. Las Vegas is forecasted to hit 115°F (46°C), while Great Falls, Montana, could see 104°F (40°C).123456789131415
“There’s just no relief overnight,” said meteorologist Morgan Stessman, as overnight lows remain in the upper 80s to low 90s.
The National Weather Service warns of dangerous heat through Sunday, with many areas under red flag warnings due to dry conditions.
“We’re definitely worried about that,” said Kitsmiller, referring to wildfire risks in Montana, where high winds are expected.
In Nevada, humidity levels have dropped to single digits, exacerbating fire dangers.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency as high temperatures and winds fueled record wildfires, with over 312 square miles currently burning.
The U.S. Forest Service has issued warnings for enhanced wildfire risks in Southern California, while eastern Oregon battles the Rowe Creek Complex fire, which has grown to 490 square miles with 57% containment.161718192021
“That was a rare heat wave,” said a local meteorologist, noting the unusual conditions.
As communities seek relief, cooling centers are overwhelmed, with the Justa Center in Phoenix reporting about 200 visitors daily seeking water and electrolytes.101112
“Forecasters expect Las Vegas to hit 115F, Phoenix 116F and El Centro a record 118F, with overnight lows in the upper 80s to low 90s. Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency and banned most outdoor burning as 12 large fires burn more than 312 square miles.”
thespec.com
