On Saturday, August 1, a severe heat wave gripped large swaths of the Western United States, bringing record-breaking temperatures and significantly heightened wildfire risks to the region. The extreme conditions prompted official warnings urging residents to stay indoors.
The dangerous heat was driven by a ridge of high pressure that held warm air close to the ground. Compounding the threat, the elevated temperatures targeted areas that were already dry or actively burning.
Among the affected areas, Las Vegas faced particularly extreme conditions, with the National Weather Service forecasting a high of 115 degrees Fahrenheit, marking the hottest temperature of the year for the city.
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