Intense heat wave, record highs to sizzle most of the West

Sizzling start to September

September is getting off to a dangerous and sizzling start with late-summer heat set to sweep most of the West Coast starting on Thursday, September 1st. High temperatures could shatter record-highs that have stood for decades. The highest temperatures are expected to expand from California into the interior Northwest and the northern Rocky Mountains, with impacts also expected to reach into the northern Plains.

Temperatures are set to soar 10-25 degrees above normal with temperatures reaching into the 90s and lower 100s. The heat wave is expected to continue well into the Labor Day weekend and possibly beyond. Death Valley, California, which holds the record for the highest air temperature ever recorded on Earth, will see high temperatures reach 124 F Thursday and Friday. Other areas in Nevada, Utah, Idaho, and Montana will also see daily record highs.

The heat wave could pose a risk to heat-related illnesses, high energy demands, and brownouts. As the heat wave continues, air quality will be impacted with many areas across parts of California and southern Oregon, forecast to reach poor to unhealthy levels. Air quality-related illnesses among sensitive groups can occur. The intense heat and dry weather will also worsen drought conditions, and the risk of wildfires. AccuWeather’s unique tools like Wildfire Proximity Alerts and air pollution forecast powered by Plume Labs ensure you get the vital information you need to stay ahead of dangerous conditions.