More than 161 million people across the United States are under heat alerts, with the Western states particularly hard hit. The National Weather Service announced Tuesday that excessive heat warnings will extend across most of the Southwest U.S. through Saturday morning.
Over the weekend, dozens of locations in the West and Pacific Northwest tied or shattered previous heat records, a trend expected to continue this week. Oregon experienced record daily high temperatures, and the state’s medical examiner’s office reported six suspected heat-related deaths on Tuesday.
The extreme heat, combined with a longstanding drought, has dried out vegetation, exacerbating wildfire risks. In California, firefighters are battling at least 18 wildfires as of Tuesday, with the dry conditions fueling the blazes.
Authorities urge residents to take precautions during the heat wave, including staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat, and checking on vulnerable individuals. As the heat persists, the potential for additional records and increased wildfire activity remains a significant concern for the affected regions.