An unusually strong heat dome is expected to blanket much of the western United States this weekend, bringing the hottest temperatures of the year so far to tens of millions of people from California to western Canada.
Forecasters warn that the persistent high-pressure system will trap hot air over the region, sending temperatures soaring well above seasonal averages and creating dangerous conditions for residents, travelers, and outdoor workers.
Major cities across California, the Pacific Northwest, the Great Basin, and parts of the Southwest are expected to experience prolonged periods of extreme heat. The heat wave is also forecast to extend into portions of British Columbia and other areas of western Canada.
Meteorologists caution that the combination of intense daytime heat and unusually warm overnight temperatures will increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly for older adults, children, individuals with underlying health conditions, and those without access to air conditioning.
The extreme heat is also expected to elevate wildfire danger by drying out vegetation and increasing stress on electrical grids as energy demand rises.
Officials are urging residents to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, check on vulnerable neighbors, and follow local heat advisories and emergency guidance.
Weather experts say the heat dome could persist for several days, with some locations challenging or breaking long-standing temperature records before cooler conditions eventually return.
