Heat dome and wildfire smoke to blanket much of US. See map - USA Today
A significant heat dome is moving across the U.S., bringing triple-digit temperatures to the Southwest and increasing the risk of wildfires. Meteorologists warn that the extreme heat will persist, potentially causing record-breaking conditions and widespread smoke.
Why it matters
Extreme weather events driven by climate patterns pose immediate threats to public health, infrastructure, and regional air quality.
Hear this story Dangerously hot conditions will move west across the U.S. this week with temperatures surging to triple digits and an increased risk of wildfires and their accompanying toxic smoke.
"A heat dome over the Texas Panhandle will push into the Southwest U.S. late this week," said Chad Merrill, senior meteorologist for AccuWeather. "High temperatures from the Southwest into Oklahoma and Texas will be between 100-111 degrees."
As the dome pushes west, the temps will follow. "On Thursday, highs in the lower 100s will expand through California's San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys with 110-120 degrees for southern California's deserts," said Merrill.
AccuWeather expects temperatures to surge well above normal across much of the Southwest and interior California, where many communities could see their hottest weather of the year so far.
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