West Coast Heat Wave Persists Into Weekend With Elevated Fire Risk

A dangerous heat wave gripping the West Coast and parts of the Southwest is set to persist into the weekend, with temperatures topping triple digits in major valleys and deserts, elevated wildfire danger, and stress on cooling centers and power systems. Officials warned that nights will remain unusually hot, extending the period of heat exposure and complicating efforts to recover from daytime highs. About 1.2 million people were placed under extreme heat risk, with tens of millions more under high-risk conditions, as authorities urged residents to seek shade, stay hydrated and limit outdoor activity.

In Southern California, daytime heat remains the dominant concern. Downtown Los Angeles faced near-90s to around 100 degrees, while desert areas such as Palm Springs could push higher. Forecasters warned that the Inland Empire and urban corridors would experience little nighttime relief, with overnight temperatures remaining well above normal. The threat is compounded by elevated wildfire risk across the region, where red-flag cautions remained in effect through the weekend. In response, state officials prepositioned firefighting assets and personnel in high-risk counties to...