Heat wave scorches U.S. with 42 million under alerts as temperatures hit 119°F

Key Points:

• Over 42 million people across the southern United States are under heat alerts as temperatures soar above 100°F, with a record high of 119°F recorded near Tecopa, California.
• A shifting "heat dome" is causing extreme heat warnings across the Southwest, including Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah, with temperatures expected to remain dangerously high through the weekend and into Monday in some desert areas.
• Heat index values could reach up to 120°F in parts of southern Arizona and South Texas, with overnight temperatures providing little relief, staying in the upper 70s and low 80s in many regions.
• The National Weather Service warns that more than 2 million people face the highest heat-risk level, and an additional 24 million are at major risk, emphasizing the importance of hydration, air conditioning, and limiting outdoor activities.
• Cooler weather is expected to arrive next weekend as a strong cold front moves through the eastern U.S., bringing lower humidity and temperatures 10 to 20 degrees lower than current levels.