Heat wave bringing record-breaking temps, heightened wildfire risk to parts of western U.S.

A heat wave in the western U.S. brings record temperatures and increased wildfire risks, prompting safety warnings for residents.

Subscribed with another email? Logout and Login with that one. Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription Beachgoers populate the sand as a heat wave combined with large surf keeps lifeguards busy in California, at La Jolla Shores in San Diego, California. | Photo Credit: Reuters A heat wave gripped large swaths of the western U.S. on Saturday (August 1, 2026) as temperatures hovered near record highs, heightening wildfire risks in areas that already are dry or burning and prompting warnings for people to stay inside. A ridge of high pressure is holding heat close to the ground — what's known as a heat dome — from Arizona to Montana, though the good news is that it will be relatively short-lived, National Weather Service meteorologists said. Dangerous heat and warnings were plaguing the region Saturday, and the National Weather Service on Saturday ...