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Western US heat dome brings dangerously hot temperatures to tens of millions
Yahoo • • nation
Key Points:
- An intense heat dome is affecting the Western US, placing about 55 million people under heat alerts, primarily in California, Nevada, and Arizona, with record-high temperatures expected from California to Montana.
- Temperatures could reach up to 118°F in Phoenix and 115°F in Las Vegas, with extreme heat warnings prompting the opening of cooling centers in major cities like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Phoenix.
- The National Weather Service has issued warnings of "major" or "extreme" heat risks, highlighting serious public health threats, especially as nighttime temperatures remain dangerously high, limiting relief from the heat.
- The Pacific Northwest faces a rare Level 3 "extremely critical" fire danger due to strong winds, low humidity, and drought, with ongoing wildfires prompting evacuations and a statewide burn ban in Washington.
- Climate change is contributing to the increased frequency, intensity, and duration of heat waves and heat domes, exacerbating risks to public health and wildfire activity across the region.
