Salt Lake City, Utah — A powerful heat dome that has fueled dangerous temperatures across the central Plains is expected to shift west later this week, bringing extreme heat, increased wildfire danger, and potentially record-breaking temperatures to much of the Southwest and interior California. Forecasters warn that millions could experience the hottest weather of the year as the high-pressure system settles over the region heading into the weekend.
Heat Dome Expands Across the Southwest
Meteorologists say the center of the heat dome is forecast to move over Utah by Friday, allowing intense heat to spread across Arizona, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and interior California. Forecast models also suggest the system could shift slightly farther southwest in early August, prolonging the dangerous conditions.
The expansive area of high pressure will suppress cloud development and trap hot air near the surface, causing temperatures to climb well above seasonal averages across much of the West.
Residents are being urged to prepare for multiple days of excessive heat, especially in areas that have already experienced prolonged warm weather this summer.
Los Angeles Could See Unusually Hot Weekend
Southern California is also expected to feel the effects of the strengthening heat dome…