Extreme Heat Expected Across Western US
A widespread and significant heat wave is forecast to bring oppressive temperatures to drought-hit western US states over the weekend, with all-time records at risk of falling, the National Weather Service (NWS) said on Friday, July 10, 2026. A developing heat dome will spread from the Pacific Northwest through the Rocky Mountains into the northern plains, where temperatures could hit 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius) on Sunday.
Heat Stress and Health Risks
The NWS warned that extremely hot daytime highs combined with potentially record-warm overnight lows will result in increasing heat stress, leading to widespread major to locally extreme HeatRisk. Extreme is the highest level on the NWS's HeatRisk scale, with impacts affecting anyone without cooling or hydration. Energy grids are also expected to come under strain as demand for air conditioning surges.
Wildfire Risk Elevated
Hot and windy conditions will bring elevated wildfire conditions, with much of the western United States already experiencing abnormally dry to drought conditions. A National Interagency Fire Center prediction map showed the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming at particularly elevated risk.
Climate Change Connection
This latest heat wave follows similar events that roasted the central and eastern United States last week, and Europe before that. Scientists from the World Weather Attribution group released an analysis showing the hot and humid conditions that characterized the past US hot spell — which fell as the country celebrated its 250th anniversary — would have been virtually impossible without human-caused climate change.
