The weekend has started with intense heat, as over one-third of US residents face heat advisories, and more cities are expected to see record temperatures in the coming days.
In typically hot Las Vegas, temperatures are expected to approach 114 degrees on Saturday and soar even higher on Sunday, potentially breaking the daily record of 116 degrees.
Nearly 130 million people across 18 states and the District of Columbia are under heat alerts in both the West and East.
“These conditions will be extremely dangerous and potentially deadly if not taken seriously,” warned meteorologists from the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center. “The multi-day nature of the heat and record warm overnight temperatures will cause heat stress to build in people without adequate cooling and hydration.”
Forecasters predict that the dangerous heat will spread into the Intermountain West and northern High Plains by next week.
Extreme heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of deaths each year, according to the weather service.
In San Jose, California, a homeless man died on Tuesday due to the extreme heat, according to Mayor Matt Mahan. The man was 69 years old, per the Santa Clara Medical Examiner’s Office.
On the same day in Arizona, a 10-year-old died after experiencing a heat-related emergency while hiking with family in South Mountain Park and Preserve, as reported by the Phoenix Police Department.
Additionally, a 69-year-old hiker from Austin, Texas, died last week after hiking at the Grand Canyon, with heat being a contributing factor, according to the National Park Service.
Major to extreme heat risk, the highest levels, are expected for much of California and the Southwest on Saturday and Sunday, increasing the likelihood of health impacts for anyone without adequate hydration or cooling.
Even in the Pacific Northwest, the heat is severe. Parts of Oregon are expected to experience triple-digit temperatures for up to five days with minimal overnight relief, according to the National Weather Service in Portland.
Multnomah County, Oregon’s most populous county, declared a state of emergency for this weekend as temperatures were expected to rise.
“I’m particularly worried about the thousands of people heading to music festivals and sporting events this weekend,” said Multnomah County Health Officer Dr. Richard Bruno. “They’ll be spending a long time outside, may have little access to shade and water, and may not recognize the risk.”
Bruno noted that the area has had few hot days so far this year, leaving residents' bodies unacclimated to the heat.
Other areas in the West are experiencing unusual heat. Palm Springs, California, reached 124 degrees on Friday afternoon, breaking the previous all-time record high of 123 degrees set in 2021.
In Raleigh, North Carolina, an all-time record high of 105 degrees set in 2012 was broken, with temperatures reaching 106 degrees on Friday.
Additional daily record highs set on Friday included:
- 127 degrees: Death Valley, California
- 114 degrees: San Jacinto, California
- 109 degrees: Medford, Oregon
- 109 degrees: Campo, California
The weather service reported that more than 35 million people in the contiguous United States will experience temperatures exceeding 100 degrees in the next seven days.
Conditions are ripe for wildfire spread, with extreme heat, gusty winds, and low humidity creating a high risk. Red flag warnings are in effect through Saturday night across the West, including the area of the Thompson Fire, which has consumed over 3,700 acres in California’s Butte County since Tuesday. The fire has forced thousands to evacuate and prompted about 2,000 firefighters to battle the flames under extreme heat and dry conditions in the Oroville area.
The wildfire has injured 11 firefighters, including eight due to heat-related illnesses, according to Chris Peterson, a spokesperson for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). The blaze has destroyed 26 structures and threatens over 450 more.
In Central California, four firefighters have been injured battling the 908-acre French Fire about 55 miles north of Fresno. The fire is 25% contained.
“Challenges are immense. We’re dealing with increased temperatures, very steep and remote terrain,” said Cal Fire deputy director of communications Nick Schuler, adding that the rapid growth of vegetation across the state presents a significant challenge.
The largest current fire in the state is the Basin Fire, which has consumed over 14,000 acres on federal land. Officials with Sierra National Forest report the fire is 46% contained and hasn't grown much in the past day.
California has experienced an active fire season, with over 150,000 acres burned so far in 2024 compared to 8,674 acres burned by this time last year, according to Cal Fire.
There are nearly two dozen active wildfires of varying sizes burning across California, with the Thompson Fire being one of the largest where Cal Fire is the lead agency.
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for the area of the Thompson Fire on Wednesday, allowing for additional resources and the potential mobilization of the California National Guard to assist.
Meanwhile, hazardous heat continues in the mid-Atlantic and Southeast, with humidity making it feel like up to 110 degrees at times.
Heat advisories extend from the beaches of Alabama and Florida up to upstate New York.
“Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing,” advised the National Weather Service. “Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”