US California Extreme Weather Heat

A painter on a ladder braves the searing heat in the San Fernando Valley section of Los Angeles on Friday, July 31, 2026.

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Heat wave expected to bring record-breaking temps, heighten wildfire risk to parts of Western US

Heat wave expected to bring record-breaking temps, heighten wildfire risk to parts of Western US

Dangerous heat was expected in parts of the Western U.S. this weekend, prompting warnings for people to stay inside and heightening wildfire risks in many areas. A high-pressure ridge is holding heat close to the ground from Arizona to Montana. Meteorologists say the good news is that it will be relatively short-lived. The National Weather Service on Saturday forecast a high of 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius) in Las Vegas, 116F (47C) in Phoenix and a record 118F (48C) in El Centro, California. Great Falls, Montana, was expected to hit a record 104F (40C).