A large heat dome remains slowly shifting across the West, driving temperatures far above historical norms and elevating wildfire risk. Forecasters say the center moves from the Plains to Utah by week’s end, then expands toward the Southwest and interior California, with many locations on track for their hottest days of the year. The Los Angeles Basin could experience 90s, while peak heat 110–120°F is expected in the Desert Southwest, accompanied by very hot overnight temperatures. The intensifying heat raises heat-related illness concerns and may extend into early August, despite a waning monsoon. Experts warn that the combination of extreme heat and dry vegetation could fuel dangerous conditions for people and fires.
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AccuWeather meteorologist Jack Wojczynski describes a high-pressure heat dome that strengthens and becomes stagnant, causing RealFeel temperatures to climb into the triple digits in many affected areas.
The heat dome is forecast to center over Utah by Friday, allowing excessive heat to expand across much of the Southwest and interior California, with the potential for even farther southwest positioning in early August.
Los Angeles could see highs in the 90s next weekend, about 10–15 degrees above historical averages for the area, according to Alex Sosnowski, with downtown L.A. experiencing heat on the upper end of recent extremes.
Farther east, the Desert Southwest could reach 110–120°F at the height of the event, and unusually hot overnight lows will limit recovery between hot days, heightening heat-related illness risks.
Thunderstorms tied to the North American monsoon are expected to become less widespread as the dome strengthens, while dry lightning and dry vegetation could spike wildfire danger through the weekend.
There is a note that extreme heat and lower air density may prompt the airline industry to scrutinize baggage weight due to longer takeoff distances, highlighting broader operational implications.
The overall trajectory points to a period of extreme heat across parts of the West through the weekend into early August, with ongoing uncertainty about exact timing and location of the peak heat.