Phoenix continues an unprecedented streak of high temperatures expected to last through the coming week, while heat and fire dangers spread across the broader western United States.
By July 31 the city had recorded 95F (35C) or higher on 100 days this year, according to Marc Chenard, a senior forecaster at the US Weather Prediction Center.
The fifth most populous US city, home to a metropolitan area of about 5 million people, has remained at or above 90F since May 30.
The National Weather Service forecasts a high of 116F on Saturday, with readings staying above 110F at least through Tuesday. Extreme heat warnings stretch from Southern California, including Los Angeles, to Montana, where monthly temperature records may fall.
“The heat kind of peaks today through Monday,” Chenard said. “Even after that, the magnitude and coverage should be a little less, yet it’s still going to stay above average.”
Beyond health concerns, the heat raises air conditioning demand, straining power grids and increasing energy use. Dry conditions also heighten wildfire risk, creating extreme fire weather across parts of five states including Washington and Oregon, where fires have burned for weeks.
The US stands at the highest national fire preparedness level. There are currently 87 large fires burning nationwide, with Oregon reporting 30.
Through July 31, 44,004 wildfires have scorched more than 4.8 million acres, the most since 2022 and above the 10-year average of 3.6 million acres.
Across the country, 54 daily high temperature records could be threatened or broken through Monday. Billings, Montana, may reach 106F, a new August record.
Los Angeles and the surrounding region remain under an extreme heat warning through Sunday. High temperatures also affect northern Mexico and parts of Canada, prompting heat and air quality alerts.
Cooler weather prevails in the eastern US, where New York’s Central Park is forecast to reach 84F on Saturday and 82F on Sunday.
