More than 50 million on alert for dangerous heat

Dangerous heat is currently affecting over 50 million people in the Western United States this weekend, with heat alerts spanning from Arizona to Washington. Cities such as Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Phoenix are under an extreme heat warning, while areas like Riverside, Sacramento, and Spokane are under a heat advisory.

Temperatures are expected to reach triple digits across a large portion of the region, extending as far north as parts of Oregon and Washington. Several cities in the West set new daily record highs on Friday, with more records likely to be challenged on Saturday.

The Pacific Northwest, including Portland and Seattle, is experiencing several days of dangerous heat, with temperatures nearing 90 in Seattle and reaching triple digits in Portland. Record highs are expected to be challenged in both cities over the next few days.

The heatwave is particularly dangerous due to relatively mild nighttime temperatures, making it harder for individuals to cool off overnight. The extreme heat in Southern California is also fueling elevated fire weather concerns, with red flag warnings in place for certain areas due to scorching heat, low humidity, and breezy winds.

In addition to the extreme heat, monsoon moisture from the Pacific is leading to widespread thunderstorms from the Four Corners region to Southern California. This increased moisture could result in localized flash flooding and potential lightning strikes that may spark new fires in the region.

The Northwest is also experiencing isolated thunderstorms, prompting red flag warnings for parts of the Cascade and Olympic Mountains in western Washington. Lightning strikes from these storms could lead to new fires in warm, dry, and breezy conditions.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Fernand has formed in the Atlantic and is expected to strengthen as it moves north over open waters. The storm is forecasted to pass east of Bermuda, potentially bringing rough surf to the island but limiting any significant impacts.

As the Atlantic hurricane season approaches its peak, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring another tropical disturbance in the central Atlantic, which may bring heavy rain and gusty winds to the Windward Islands.

The effects of Hurricane Erin continue to linger on the East Coast, with rough surf and dangerous rip currents affecting beachgoers. Coastal impacts are gradually diminishing, but high surf advisories, coastal flooding, and rough surf persist in many areas, including the New England coastline and North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

Overall, the Western United States is facing extreme heat and fire weather concerns, while the Atlantic Basin is seeing increased tropical activity. It is crucial for residents in these regions to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe during these challenging conditions.