Severe Heat Wave and Wildfires Affect Millions Across the U.S.
WHO:
L.A. Times - Rose Schoenfeld, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, provided insights on the heat wave and its effects.
WHAT:
Currently.com - Forecast high temperatures could reach 118 degrees in Phoenix and 115 degrees in Las Vegas this weekend.
Currently.com - A rare Level 3 of 3 "extremely critical" fire danger is in place for portions of Washington and Oregon.
Currently.com - Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has implemented a statewide burn ban due to extreme fire danger.
Currently.com - Thousands of residents in Spokane County are under an evacuation order due to the Old Trails Fire.
L.A. Times - The heat wave brought record temperatures in Las Vegas and El Centro, California, which were within striking distance of their daily records.
L.A. Times - Great Falls and Helena, Montana, surpassed their daily temperature records in preliminary measurements.
L.A. Times - In 2025, L.A. County recorded 10 heat-related deaths, according to a new dashboard.
L.A. Times - Phoenix reached 116 degrees, tying the record for the hottest temperature ever recorded on August 1, set in 1972.
L.A. Times - The Old Trails fire grew to more than 2,300 acres by 5 p.m., prompting evacuations in Spokane, Washington.
NBC News - More than 50 million people were under heat alerts across the region.
WHERE:
L.A. Times - The heat wave affected the Western United States, specifically Southern California, Phoenix, Las Vegas, El Centro, Great Falls, and Helena.
L.A. Times - Spokane, Washington, was specifically mentioned as a location for evacuations due to wildfires.
WHEN:
L.A. Times - The heat wave and wildfires were reported on a Saturday, with specific reference to temperatures and conditions on August 1.
L.A. Times - Southern California’s heat warnings were set to expire Sunday night.
WHY:
L.A. Times - The extreme heat was attributed to a high-pressure system lingering over the area, which increases air pressure and temperature while stifling sea breezes.
HOW:
Currently.com - The National Weather Service issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag Warning across Central and Eastern Washington, indicating historically strong winds and low humidity.
L.A. Times - The National Weather Service advised residents to check in on loved ones during the heat wave.
L.A. Times - The National Weather Service recommended limiting outdoor activity to early hours and staying in air-conditioned spaces during the afternoon and evening.
(UPDATED August 2, 2026 11:14 UTC)
This weekend, Phoenix is expected to swelter with high temperatures reaching 118 degrees, while Las Vegas could see a high of 115 degrees. In response to extreme fire danger, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has implemented a statewide burn ban, and thousands of residents in Spokane County are currently under an evacuation order due to the Old Trails Fire. The National Weather Service has also issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag Warning across Central and Eastern Washington, highlighting the threat posed by historically strong winds and low humidity.
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(UPDATED August 2, 2026 09:53 UTC)
A significant heat wave is currently affecting parts of the West, with Las Vegas and El Centro, California, nearing their daily temperature records, while Great Falls and Helena, Montana, have already surpassed theirs in preliminary measurements. In 2025, L.A. County recorded ten heat-related deaths, highlighting the dangers posed by extreme temperatures. The National Weather Service is urging residents to check in on loved ones during this intense heat wave.
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(UPDATED August 2, 2026 07:29 UTC)
A significant heat wave is currently affecting the Western United States, with over 50 million people under heat alerts, as temperatures in Phoenix reached a scorching 116 degrees, tying the record for the hottest temperature ever recorded on August 1. Meanwhile, the Old Trails fire has expanded to more than 2,300 acres, prompting evacuations in Spokane, Washington, as residents face the dual threat of extreme heat and wildfires. Meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld from the National Weather Service advises limiting outdoor activities to the early hours and staying in air-conditioned spaces during the hottest parts of the day.