San Francisco, California – As the summer begins and temperatures rise, over 60 million people across the Lower 48 are faced with a surge in extreme heat. Heat advisories are widespread, spanning from California to the Gulf Coast and even reaching parts of the Central Plains. The National Weather Service is alerting residents to a prolonged heat wave that will pose dangers through the Fourth of July week.

In California, the threat of excessive heat is particularly severe, with temperatures soaring near record highs in the Central Valley and desert areas. The scorching conditions are further exacerbated by a “heat dome” that lingers overhead, diminishing the usual cooling effect of coastal clouds and fog. Concerns about fire weather are also mounting, with red flag warnings in place for areas of central California and southwestern Utah.

As the week progresses, the intense heat is expected to extend across the eastern United States, with Independence Day shaping up to be exceptionally hot from the Mid-Atlantic through the Southeast. Record-breaking temperatures are forecasted coast to coast, with potential daily highs and warm lows in the hundreds.

In the coming days, several regions, including parts of California and neighboring states, are likely to flirt with all-time temperature records. From Northern California to the Central Valley and Las Vegas, scorching temperatures near or above 110 degrees will be the norm. The infamous Death Valley, known for its extreme heat, may even challenge the highest modern temperature recorded.

Further exacerbating the situation are unusually warm nights, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change. Record warm lows are an alarming consequence of heat waves, amplifying the risks posed by extreme temperatures. As the week progresses, the stifling heat shows no signs of relenting, with some areas projected to experience heat indexes well above 100 and temperatures pushing near 90 even as far north as Seattle.

With record temperatures looming and widespread heat alerts in effect, millions of Americans are bracing themselves for a blistering start to the summer season. As the heatwave intensifies, staying informed and taking precautions against the extreme conditions remains paramount.