A significant heatwave continues to impact California and much of the western United States, with temperatures soaring above 100°F (38°C) and excessive heat advisories affecting approximately 108 million Americans.
This brutal heat is expected to persist through the weekend, with some areas forecasted to hit record-breaking highs.
In California, the French fire near Yosemite National Park has quickly escalated, burning over 900 acres and threatening rural communities, including the historic town of Mariposa.
Fire officials report that the blaze is currently 15% contained, prompting multiple evacuations and road closures. Fortunately, calmer winds have allowed firefighters to make progress on the eastern side of Mariposa.
Record temperatures across the West: Phoenix to hit 115°F, Palm Springs 119°F.Further north, the Thompson fire in Butte County has consumed more than 3,700 acres and is 29% contained, allowing some evacuated residents to return home. However, the heat poses a continued challenge, with temperatures potentially reaching 108°F (42°C) in the area.
This heatwave has led to adverse environmental impacts, including a significant fish die-off in Lake Elizabeth near Fremont, attributed to high temperatures and low oxygen levels. Across the region, conditions remain extremely dry, heightening the risk of further wildfires as summer progresses.
Looking ahead, the National Weather Service predicts high temperatures will remain elevated, with places like Phoenix and Palm Springs reaching 115°F (46°C) and 119°F (48°C) respectively. This extreme heat is also stretching across the Southeast and along the East Coast, where temperatures will exceed 100°F (38°C).