Western U.S. heat wave drives record highs and wildfire evacuations
A heat wave across the western United States set temperature records in several states and prompted wildfire evacuations in the Pacific Northwest, while officials warned residents of heat-related health risks.
A broad heat wave swept the western United States on Saturday, pushing temperatures to record levels in the Southwest and Montana and triggering extreme-heat warnings in Southern California. Phoenix tied its August 1 record at 116°F, while Las Vegas, El Centro, California, and cities in Montana approached or exceeded daily highs, according to the National Weather Service.
The National Weather Service issued a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” wildfire warning for the Pacific Northwest as dry conditions and strong winds fueled fire growth. The Old Trails fire near Spokane, Washington, expanded to more than 2,300 acres by late afternoon, prompting local evacuations.
Southern California officials urged residents to watch for signs of heat illness, such as dizziness, confusion, headaches and nausea, and to keep pets and children out of vehicles. The agency recommended limiting outdoor activity to early morning hours and staying in air-conditioned spaces during the hottest part of the day.
“We’ve had these elevated temperatures for the last several days here, and that compounding effect can be significant,” said Rose Schoenfeld, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
The heat wave is linked to a lingering high-pressure system that raises temperatures and suppresses cooling sea breezes, while a flow of moist tropical air adds humidity to Southern California. Heat warnings in the region are set to expire Sunday night, and forecasters expect the extreme temperatures to ease early next week.