Dangerous heat was expected in parts of the Western U.S. this weekend, prompting warnings for people to stay inside and heightening wildfire risks in many areas. A high-pressure ridge is holding heat close to the ground from Arizona to Montana. Meteorologists say the good news is that it will be relatively short-lived. The National Weather Service on Saturday forecast a high of 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius) in Las Vegas, 116F (47C) in Phoenix and a record 118F (48C) in El Centro, California. Great Falls, Montana, was expected to hit a record 104F (40C).

  • Updated

Pedestrians try to stay in the shade was they walk through misting machines at an outdoor mall, Friday, July 31, 2026, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)