PHOENIX, DENVER, SALT LAKE CITY, PORTLAND — A wave of record-breaking heat is surging across the Southwest and into the Rockies, while cooler temperatures are forecast for the Pacific Northwest, according to the National Weather Service.
On Friday, cities across Arizona, Nevada, and Utah are expected to see highs well above average, with the heat expanding into Colorado and New Mexico by Saturday. In contrast, a cold front from the northeast Pacific will push inland, bringing below-average temperatures to areas like Portland, Oregon and western Montana.
Meanwhile, Red Flag Warnings remain in place across parts of the Northern Plains, driven by warm, dry, and windy conditions, increasing fire risk.…