Record heat dome shifts west, bringing life-threatening temps to millions through the first weekend of August
Unfortunately, it's unlikely heat relief will come anytime soon. The Climate Prediction Center firmly keeps the region at higher chances of above-average temperatures through the first half of August.
Heat dome shifts west, putting Desert Southwest in line for dangerous triple-digit temps
The heat dome that has been driving up temperatures in the Plains this week has shifted west, bringing the same dangerous heat to the Desert Southwest. Cities like Las Vegas and Phoenix could see temperatures between 110 and 120 degrees.
The heat dome that has plagued the Central and Southern Plains for the last several days is retreating back to the West, bringing extreme triple-digit temperatures to the Four Corners and Desert Southwest.
For much of the last week, the heat dome had settled over the Central U.S., bringing dozens of record high temperatures over the course of a few days.
Now, as it shifts west, much of the Southwest is likely to see temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above average, during what's typically the hottest part of the year.
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According to the FOX Forecast Center, Las Vegas and Phoenix are likely to be two of the hottest cities alongside Death Valley and other parts of Southern California, with temperatures as high as 118 to 120 degrees.
Las Vegas is already holding a six-day streak of consecutive days over 110 degrees, and the FOX Forecast Center said Sin City could continue to see temps at 110 or higher through the next week. The city's highest record was set in July 2024 at 11 days.
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A man shields himself from the sun while waiting in line to take a photo at the historic Welcome to Las Vegas Sign during a heat wave in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 14, 2023. (Ronda Churchill / AFP / Getty Images)
Heading north, temperatures in Utah and other parts of the Great Basin will soar into the triple digits as well this weekend.
Montana, which saw several new record temperatures in early July, will have no problem surpassing 100 degrees again, the FOX Forecast Center said.
Heat Alerts are in effect across the West through Sunday.
The heat combined with smoke from Pacific Northwest wildfires will make outdoor conditions miserable.
Remember to hydrate, not spend long periods of time outdoors without shade and water and take frequent breaks when outdoors.
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The large heat dome will last through at least the weekend, but possibly longer.
Unfortunately, it's unlikely heat relief will come anytime soon. The Climate Prediction Center firmly keeps the region at higher chances of above-average temperatures through the first half of August.