By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-07-31 15:07:04 | Updated at 2026-08-10 15:15:47
1 week ago
A record-setting heat dome is blanketing half the US, impacting roughly 70 million people, and causing temperatures in the triple digits that could turn lethal in just minutes.
A widespread extreme heat warning has been issued in multiple states, including California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Colorado, which are expected to run through at least Sunday, but some areas will see record heat last until late next week.
Las Vegas and Phoenix are expected to see temperatures surpass 115 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the weekend, and parts of Southern California could hit 120.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that the risk of dehydration and heat stroke will be so severe in these areas that the safest thing to do is avoid drinking alcohol, eating meals high in protein or sitting in cars for any length of time.
'Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes,' the agency warned in a statement Friday.
Extreme heat soaring past 120F can cause the human body to struggle to cool itself through sweating alone, which sends your body temperature rising and causes heat stroke - a life-threatening emergency where the body’s systems start to fail.
This can happen even faster inside a car, which become a mini greenhouse, with temperatures reaching over 150F in a matter of minutes. Hot cars are especially deadly for young children and pets.
A massive high-pressure system over the western US has formed a heat dome over at least 15 states, including parts of Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, Texas, Minnesota, Nebraska and the Dakotas.
A massive heat dome over 15 US states has triggered extreme temperature warnings, increasing the risk of heat stroke and other illnesses (Stock Image)
Approximately 70 million people are trapped under the high pressure system causing temperatures to rise to more than 115 degrees Fahrenheit
The heat dome traps warm, humid air, keeping it from rising to allow the US to cool down - sending temperatures throughout the region soaring between 10 and 20 degrees above their normal averages for late July and early August.
AccuWeather has predicted that Las Vegas will see its daily temperature record shattered for five straight days, starting Saturday when the high is expected to reach 117F.
Phoenix is expected to break its record for heat on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, surpassing 115F each day.
NWS warned: 'Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events. Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing.'
'Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke,' officials added.
Heat exhaustion, when the body overheats from prolonged exposure to heat, often starts with heavy sweating, fatigue, developing cool, pale, clammy skin and a fast, weak pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea and headaches.
As for heat stroke, which is far more deadly and can develop within 15 minutes in extremely hot conditions, the first symptoms are often a throbbing headache, confusion, slurred speech, nausea, dizziness, and a fever above 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sufferers may also develop red, dry, or damp skin, a rapid pulse, and lose consciousness. Move anyone affected by these conditions into a cool, shaded spot right away and call 911.
Pictured: Tourists battle to stay cool while visiting the Las Vegas welcome sign amid the recording-setting heat wave
The heat is expected to be so bad, officials recommend avoiding alcohol and high-protein meals
The heat dome is also expected to combine with strengthening winds in the Northwest, sending the risk of wildfires in several states skyrocketing.
This is a breaking story. More details to follow.
