Key Point Summary โ Heat Warnings For 80 Million
- Over 80 million Americans face dangerous heat this weekend
- Phoenix, Palm Springs, and the Grand Canyon under extreme heat warnings
- Plains and Southwest brace for 100โ110ยฐF temperatures
- Critical fire weather in Oregon, Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming
- Heat shifting to Midwest and Northeast next week
Southwest Bakes Under Relentless Sun
The U.S. is bracing for a dangerous, blistering weekend as Heat Warnings For 80 Million sweep across the nation. In the Southwest, Phoenix, Palm Springs, and the Grand Canyonโs lower elevations are staring down highs well above 100ยฐF โ with some spots pushing a searing 115ยฐF. This oppressive heat is expected to dominate through Saturday before easing slightly.
Plains Heat Up As Alerts Spread
Heat advisories stretch from New Mexico through Texas and into the Midwest. Cities like Albuquerque, El Paso, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Little Rock, Wichita, Springfield, and Kansas City could hit triple digits. In some places, record highs are on the table โ especially for Albuquerque and Flagstaff.
Fire Danger Adds To The Threat
While the heat scorches the Southwest, critical fire weather is flaring in Oregon, Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming. Low humidity, some areas dipping into single digits, and gusty winds create a recipe for rapid wildfire spread. Any new ignition could quickly explode out of control.
Northwest Joins The Danger Zone
The heat dome isnโt stopping in the Southwest. Oregon is under extreme heat warnings from Medford up to Portland. Daytime highs could spike to 110ยฐF, while nighttime lows stay uncomfortably warm โ hovering between 65 and 70ยฐF, denying residents much-needed relief. Spokane, Lewiston, Longview, and Mount Shasta also sit under heat advisories, with highs in the upper 90s to low 110s.
Public Struggles To Cope
Across social media, residents are venting frustration โ and fear. Some post photos of backyard thermometers maxed out. Others complain of sleepless nights in sweltering homes. For outdoor workers, this weekend poses a dangerous challenge. Cooling centers in multiple cities have extended hours, and officials are urging residents to check on vulnerable neighbors.
Midwest And Northeast Brace For Next Wave
By early next week, the heat will surge into the Midwest and Northeast. Parts of Upstate New York and New England could see near-record highs, with thermometers climbing into the upper 80s and 90s. Humidity will magnify the misery, making the heat feel even more oppressive.
Outlook: Slight Relief, Then Return
While some areas may see temperatures dip briefly next week, forecasters warn that the pattern isnโt done. Another heat wave could brew before the end of the month, raising concerns about ongoing fire risk in the West and energy strain nationwide.