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A powerful heat dome is currently scorching the western United States, placing over 40 million people under heat alerts.

A massive heat dome is currently driving extreme temperatures across the western United States, with more than 40 million people under heat alerts. The National Weather Service warns that temperatures in the Desert Southwest and California will reach between 100 and 120 degrees, with Death Valley forecast to hit a blistering 126 degrees. This heat wave is expected to persist through the weekend, offering little overnight relief as temperatures remain high even after dark. The heat dome, which previously affected the central U.S., has shifted west, causing temperatures to be 10 to 20 degrees hotter than average. This intense weather is worsening wildfire and water concerns in the Colorado River Basin, where reservoirs like Lake Mead and Lake Powell are at historic lows. While some regions, such as northern Florida, will see a cold front bring cooler temperatures by the weekend, much of the West will remain under high heat risk through the first half of August. Experts advise residents to stay hydrated and limit strenuous activities during the and peak heat.

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