Extreme heat is on the way for the western United States this week. This heatwave raises concerns about wildfires, health issues, and power grid stress. According to meteorologists at AccuWeather, a strong high-pressure system is causing the first major heatwave of the season, with temperatures expected to reach or exceed record highs from Thursday through Saturday.
The hottest conditions will likely hit California, Nevada, and western Utah. In Redding, California, temperatures could soar to 107 degrees on Friday, surpassing the previous record of 104 degrees set in 2021. Sacramento is also bracing for the heat, with a forecasted high of 103 degrees, which would tie a record set back in 1910.
Las Vegas is expected to feel the heat as well, with temperatures projected to reach 107 degrees on Friday, breaking the record of 106 degrees set in 2002. Salt Lake City, Utah, could see a high of 96 degrees on Sunday, exceeding the record of 94 degrees from 2020.
Some areas might even experience temperatures exceeding 110 degrees. Fortunately, cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco will avoid the worst of the heat due to their proximity to the Pacific coast.
Meteorologists are warning that the combination of high temperatures, low humidity, and dry vegetation increases the risk of wildfires in the region. With the heatwave, the potential for wildfires to ignite and spread is greater than usual.
Looking ahead, AccuWeather predicts that overall summer temperatures across much of interior California and the western U.S. will be about 2 to 3 degrees higher than the historical average this year. Residents are advised to prepare for the heat and stay safe as conditions become more extreme.