Intense Heat Wave Approaches US, Threatening Record Highs

WHO:

AP News - Josh Adam, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Bismarck, North Dakota

AP News - Chad Merrill, a senior meteorologist with AccuWeather

AP News - Andrew Gorelow, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Las Vegas

AP News - Sean Swingley, assistant manager of Last Chance Splash Waterpark & Pool in Helena, Montana

WHAT:

AP News - A widespread and dangerous heat wave is building across the U.S., with triple-digit highs expected in the Southwest and Great Plains this weekend before spreading eastward.

AP News - The National Weather Service predicts that more than 90 U.S. local temperature records will be tied or broken through Wednesday, with two-thirds of those being overnight heat records.

AP News - Temperatures in Las Vegas are expected to hit 111°F (48°C) on Saturday.

AP News - In Helena, Montana, temperatures are expected to exceed 95°F (35°C) during a swim meet at Last Chance Splash Waterpark & Pool.

AP News - The National Weather Service predicts that temperatures in Bismarck, North Dakota, will surpass 100°F (37°C) until Tuesday.

AP News - The heat dome is expected to affect as much as two-thirds of the continental United States.

AP News - Temperatures in Las Vegas are expected to hit 111°F (48°C) on Saturday.

AP News - In Helena, Montana, temperatures are expected to exceed 95°F (35°C) during a swim meet at Last Chance Splash Waterpark & Pool.

AP News - The National Weather Service predicts that more than 90 U.S. local temperature records will be tied or broken through Wednesday, with two-thirds of those being overnight heat records.

AP News - Temperatures in Las Vegas are expected to hit 111°F (48°C) on Saturday.

AP News - In Helena, Montana, temperatures are expected to exceed 95°F (35°C), with a swim meet scheduled at Last Chance Splash Waterpark & Pool.

AP News - The current heat dome is one of the strongest to affect the Dakotas in 25 years.

AP News - Forecasters expect record triple-digit highs this weekend in Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

AP News - Temperatures in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Miami; Tampa, Florida; Galveston, Texas; and Charleston, South Carolina, are not expected to drop below 80°F (27°C) at night.

Phys.org - A heat wave is affecting 44 million Americans, with temperatures expected to reach 43°C (110°F).

AP News - Triple-digit highs are expected in the Southwest and Great Plains, with temperatures 15 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit (8 to 14 degrees Celsius) warmer than normal.

AP News - More than 90 local temperature records are predicted to be tied or broken through Wednesday, with two-thirds being overnight heat records.

AP News - Las Vegas is expected to reach 111°F (48°C) on Saturday.

AP News - In Helena, Montana, temperatures are expected to exceed 95°F (35°C).

WHERE:

Phys.org - The heat wave is affecting the Rocky Mountains and northern Plains of the United States.

AP News - The heat dome is expected to impact as much as two-thirds of the continental United States.

AP News - Specific cities mentioned include Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa, Galveston, and Charleston.

WHEN:

AP News - The heat wave is expected to last for a week or more.

AP News - The current El Nino formed last month and is expected to become "very strong" by fall.

WHY:

AP News - Climate change from the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas is causing more intense and longer-lasting heat waves that cover larger areas.

AP News - The current El Nino is expected to rank among the most intense since tracking began in 1950, with an 81% chance of becoming "very strong" by fall, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

AP News - Climate change is causing more intense and longer-lasting heat waves that cover larger areas, according to scientists.

AP News - The heat wave is attributed to a dome of high pressure trapping hot air and blocking cooling winds and rain.

AP News - Climate change is causing more intense and longer-lasting heat waves.

AP News - The current El Nino is expected to spike temperatures across the globe.

HOW:

AP News - Experts warn that the heat could spike fire risk to some parts of the country that are already dry, including the Rockies, where dry thunderstorms could develop.

AP News - Forecasters advise staying hydrated and finding cool places to mitigate health risks associated with the heat.

(UPDATED July 13, 2026 04:11 UTC)

A dangerous heat wave is building across the U.S., with triple-digit highs expected in the Southwest and Great Plains this weekend before spreading eastward, and the National Weather Service predicts that more than 90 local temperature records will be tied or broken through Wednesday. In Las Vegas, temperatures are forecasted to reach a scorching 111°F, while Helena, Montana, is expected to see highs exceeding 95°F during a swim meet. This extreme weather is attributed to climate change driven by fossil fuel consumption and an El Niño event that is likely to be one of the most intense on record, with an 81% chance of becoming "very strong" by fall.

(UPDATED July 13, 2026 00:12 UTC)

The National Weather Service is predicting that temperatures in Bismarck, North Dakota, will soar past 100 degrees Fahrenheit until Tuesday, with a heat dome expected to impact as much as two-thirds of the continental United States. In Las Vegas, temperatures are forecasted to reach a scorching 111 degrees on Saturday, while Helena, Montana, anticipates exceeding 95 degrees during a swim meet at Last Chance Splash Waterpark & Pool. Experts are warning that this extreme heat could elevate fire risks in already dry areas, particularly in the Rockies, where dry thunderstorms may develop.

(UPDATED July 12, 2026 18:14 UTC)

The National Weather Service is predicting that more than 90 local temperature records across the U.S. will be tied or broken through Wednesday, with two-thirds of those being overnight heat records. In Las Vegas, temperatures are expected to soar to a scorching 111°F, while Helena, Montana, anticipates highs exceeding 95°F, coinciding with a swim meet at Last Chance Splash Waterpark & Pool. Experts warn that this extreme heat, driven by climate change, could increase fire risks in already dry areas, particularly in the Rockies, where dry thunderstorms may develop.

(UPDATED July 12, 2026 09:31 UTC)

A powerful heat dome is currently affecting the Dakotas, marking one of the strongest occurrences in 25 years, while forecasters predict record triple-digit highs this weekend across several states, including Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. In addition, cities like Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa are expected to experience nighttime temperatures that won't drop below 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This extreme weather is linked to an El Nino event that is anticipated to be one of the most intense since tracking began in 1950, with an 81% chance of becoming "very strong" by fall, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

(UPDATED July 12, 2026 08:38 UTC)

A significant heat wave is currently affecting 44 million Americans, with temperatures soaring to 43°C (110°F) in many areas, including Las Vegas, which is expected to hit 111°F (48°C) on Saturday. Meteorologists warn that this heat dome will impact up to two-thirds of the continental United States, leading to more than 90 local temperature records being tied or broken, particularly overnight. Experts advise residents to stay hydrated and seek out cool places to mitigate health risks as this extreme weather is linked to climate change and a strong El Nino forming this fall.