Temperatures could reach 115 degrees in Las Vegas, 116 in Phoenix and a record 118 in El Centro as a heat dome intensifies fire risks across much of the West.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
A powerful but relatively short-lived heat wave is expected to bring record or near-record temperatures to parts of the Western United States this weekend while worsening wildfire conditions across already dry areas.
A ridge of high pressure extending from Arizona to Montana is trapping hot air near the surface in a pattern commonly known as a heat dome, according to National Weather Service meteorologists. Officials are urging residents to remain indoors when possible, drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
Las Vegas was forecast to reach 115 degrees Fahrenheit on Saturday, which would be the city’s highest temperature of the year. Phoenix was expected to climb to 116 degrees, while El Centro, California, could set a record at 118 degrees.
The heat was also forecast to extend into Montana, where Great Falls was expected to reach a record 104 degrees.
Las Vegas’ projected Saturday high was approximately 10 degrees above normal. Dangerous conditions were expected to continue through Sunday, when the temperature could reach 114 degrees, National Weather Service meteorologist Morgan Stessman said.
The combination of extreme daytime heat and overnight temperatures remaining in the upper 80s to low 90s is particularly hazardous because the human body has little opportunity to cool down and recover.
“There’s just no relief overnight,” Stessman said.
Residents were advised to stay hydrated and spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned buildings.
Conditions were expected to improve rapidly in Montana, where much of the state could see highs in the 70s by Sunday, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Jeff Kitsmiller.
Forecasters warned that the latest heat, combined with drying caused by previous periods of high temperatures, would increase the possibility of wildfires throughout the region.
“We’re definitely worried about that” in Montana, Kitsmiller said.
Wildfires were already burning in the state, and strong winds were forecast during the weekend. Kitsmiller said most of Montana was under a red flag warning because of the combination of dry vegetation, elevated temperatures and wind.
Nevada was also experiencing rapidly declining moisture levels as the heat dome developed.
“With this heat dome setting up, we’ve lost some of the moisture that we did have — like relative humidity in the afternoon bottoming out in the single digits in quite a few places,” Stessman said.
The U.S. Forest Service said most of Southern California faced an enhanced wildfire risk through Sunday, with coastal areas generally excluded from the warning.
Persistently hot and dry conditions can rapidly remove moisture from grass, brush and trees, making vegetation more susceptible to ignition and allowing fires to spread more quickly.
Climate change associated with the burning of coal, oil and natural gas is contributing to larger, more intense and longer-lasting heat waves, which can worsen drought and create conditions favorable to larger and more destructive wildfires.
This year’s weather is also expected to be influenced by El Niño, the natural warming of the equatorial Pacific Ocean that changes weather patterns and can raise temperatures worldwide.
Experts said the current El Niño could rank among the most intense since the National Weather Service began tracking the phenomenon in 1950. United Nations officials warned Friday that it had already set intensity records during its early stages.
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