'Extremely dangerous heat wave' to scorch parts of US


Temperatures across the United States are expected to soar this weekend, as much of the country deals with a potentially record-breaking heat wave.
A large portion of this heat will be seen in the western and southern U.S., where a "sweltering and extremely dangerous heat wave" will cause temperatures to "reach levels that would pose a health risk," according to the National Weather Service (NWS). These temperatures can be "potentially deadly to anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration," the NWS added.
More than 34 million people were under an excessive heat warning on Friday, while another 61 million were under heat advisories and 730,000 under heat watches, NWS said. In all, nearly a third of all Americans are expected to face these blistering temperatures, NBC News reported.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Portions of California, Nevada, and Arizona are likely to be among the hottest places in the world this weekend, with the NWS reporting that parts of the desert in all three states are expected to top 120 degrees Fahrenheit on Saturday. Excessive heat warnings are also in place from Texas to Alabama. The city of Phoenix has seen a string of deadly heat, and the temperature in Arizona's largest metropolis is forecasted to pass 110 degrees for the next seven days.
Las Vegas is set to see similar temperatures, and is forecasted to reach 118 degrees on Sunday. If this holds true, it would be the hottest day in the city's recorded history, as Las Vegas has only ever gotten as hot as 117 degrees. The hottest place overall, though, could be Death Valley, California, where USA Today reported that the mercury could reach 130 degrees — just four degrees under the hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth. The NWS said Death Valley will "struggle to fall below 100 degrees" even overnight.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.
-
DHS preps for major ICE expansion, rankling local law enforcement
IN THE SPOTLIGHT As the Trump administration positions ICE as the primary federal police force, its recruitment efforts have been met with a less-than-enthusiastic response
-
The return of 'Wednesday,' an 'Alien' prequel and a dramatic retelling of the Amanda Knox trial all happening in August TV
the week recommends This month's new television releases include 'Alien: Earth,' 'The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox' and a new season of 'Wednesday'
-
How does a 401(k) hardship withdrawal work and is it smart to take one?
the explainer More Americans than ever are resorting to this option in a pinch
-
Why does the US want to put nuclear reactors on the moon?
Today's Big Question The plans come as NASA is facing significant budget cuts
-
Lithium shows promise in Alzheimer's study
Speed Read Potential new treatments could use small amounts of the common metal
-
Scientists discover cause of massive sea star die-off
Speed Read A bacteria related to cholera has been found responsible for the deaths of more than 5 billion sea stars
-
'Thriving' ecosystem found 30,000 feet undersea
Speed Read Researchers discovered communities of creatures living in frigid, pitch-black waters under high pressure
-
Bacteria can turn plastic waste into a painkiller
Under the radar The process could be a solution to plastic pollution
-
Scientists want to regrow human limbs. Salamanders could lead the way.
Under the radar Humans may already have the genetic mechanism necessary
-
New York plans first nuclear plant in 36 years
Speed Read The plant, to be constructed somewhere in upstate New York, will produce enough energy to power a million homes
-
Dehorning rhinos sharply cuts poaching, study finds
Speed Read The painless procedure may be an effective way to reduce the widespread poaching of rhinoceroses