Record-breaking heatwave sweeps across United States affecting 130 million people, cause wildfires

Approximately 130 million people across the United States are experiencing dangerously high temperatures due to a severe, long-running heatwave. This heatwave has set new records and tied existing ones from the East Coast to the West Coast, with forecasters warning of more records to come, as reported by the Associated Press.
Ukiah, located north of San Francisco, reached a scorching 117 degrees Fahrenheit (47°C) on Saturday, breaking the city's record for that date and tying its all-time high.Similarly, Livermore, situated east of San Francisco, recorded 111 F (43.8°C), surpassing the previous daily maximum temperature of 109 F (42.7°C) set in 1905. Phoenix hit 114 F (45.5°C), just shy of its 1942 record of 116 F (46.7°C).
Las Vegas saw temperatures reach 100 F (37.7°C) by 10:30 am (local time). Marko Boscovich, visiting from Sparks, Nevada, suggested staying cool indoors. "The best way to beat the heat is in a seat at a slot machine with a cold beer inside an air-conditioned casino," he said. "But you know, after it hits triple digits it's about all the same to me," Boscovich added. The National Weather Service in Vegas stated, "A dangerous and historic heatwave is just getting started across the area, with temperatures expected to peak during the Sunday-Wednesday timeframe."
In more humid regions, temperatures could rise above 100 F (about 38°C) in parts of the Pacific Northwest, the mid-Atlantic, and the Northeast, according to meteorologist Jacob Asherman.
Meteorologists forecast near-record temperatures in the Southwest over the coming week, with lower desert highs expected to range between 115 to 120 degrees F (46.1 to 48.8°C). Rare heat advisories were extended to higher elevations, including the area around Lake Tahoe on the California-Nevada border. “How hot are we talking? Well, high temperatures across (western Nevada and northeastern California) won’t get below 100 degrees (37.8 C) until next weekend. And unfortunately, there won’t be much relief overnight either," the National Weather Service stated online.
Reno recorded a high of 104 F (40°C) on Saturday, breaking its old record of 101 F (38.3°C). More extreme temperatures are expected, with a forecast of 129 F (53.8°C) for Sunday at Furnace Creek, California, in Death Valley National Park, rising to around 130 F (54.4°C) through Wednesday.
In the West and mid-Atlantic regions, triple-digit temperatures are anticipated, ranging between 15 and 30 F (8 and 16°C) above average into next week, according to the National Weather Service.
The Eastern US is also preparing for high temperatures. Baltimore and other regions in Maryland were under an excessive heat warning, with heat index values possibly reaching 110 F (43°C), according to forecasts. The National Weather Service for the Baltimore area advised, “Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances."
Arizona's Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, has reported at least 13 confirmed heat-related deaths this year, with over 160 more deaths under investigation for potential heat-related causes.
Firefighters in California are battling multiple wildfires exacerbated by low humidity and high temperatures. In Santa Barbara County, the Lake Fire has burned over 19 square miles (49 square kilometers) of grass, brush, and timber. Firefighters are combating the blaze with water and retardant drops, noting its "extreme fire behavior" and potential for significant growth due to the heat and low humidity.
Attendees of the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, Oregon, coped with the heat by drinking cold water, seeking shade, or refreshing themselves under water misters. Festival organizers also provided free access to air conditioning at a nearby hotel.