Western U.S. braces for brutal heatwave this weekend

The western United States is preparing for a severe heatwave expected to bring scorching temperatures this weekend, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

A developing heat dome will stretch from the Pacific Northwest across the Rocky Mountains into the northern plains. The NWS forecasts that temperatures could reach as high as 43°C (110°F) by Sunday. "Extremely high daytime temperatures, combined with potentially record-setting overnight lows, will lead to increased heat stress, resulting in widespread elevated heat risk, with locally extreme risk areas," the NWS stated. The highest risk level, "extreme," applies to areas where individuals lack access to cooling or hydration.

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Extremely high daytime temperatures, combined with potentially record-setting overnight lows, will lead to increased heat stress, resulting in widespread elevated heat risk, with locally extreme risk areas.

This intense heat is anticipated to place significant pressure on electrical grids. Furthermore, warm and windy conditions are expected to elevate the risk of wildfires. Several western states, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, are already experiencing abnormally dry to drought conditions, making them particularly vulnerable.

This heatwave follows similar episodes that affected the central and eastern U.S. last week and Europe prior. A recent analysis by the World Weather Attribution group indicated that the recent heat and humidity conditions in the U.S. would have been "virtually impossible" without human-caused climate change.

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virtually impossible