Heat Wave Across the West Increases Threat of Wildfires

The interior West is forecast to bake well into the second week of June as a heat wave sets up over the region. Millions of Americans will see unseasonably warm temperatures, even by June standards as summer makes a grand appearance. Here is a look at what to expect in the coming days.

First Heat Wave Underway for the West

June is getting off to a sizzling start with the first heat wave of the year for the interior portions of the West. The mercury will surge into the triple digits through the weekend and into next week, raising the risk of wildfire danger thanks to the pairing of the heat with dry lightning strikes.

The heat is being ushered in by a northward bulge in the jet stream across the western part of the U.S. A storm churning offshore in the Pacific Ocean will amplify this effect, creating temperatures that will reach the highest readings since last summer. Over 10 states are expected to get in on this warmth with the interior valleys of California and the Desert Southwest experiencing the hottest conditions.

Most communities will see the peak of the heat on Thursday and Friday. However, the Great Basin will likely not see the temperatures creep up until Saturday. A number of records could be challenged with the heat wave, including across the major metropolitan areas of Sacramento, Fresno, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff. It will also be noticeably warmer throughout much of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico.