Overview
- A heat dome over the Desert Southwest has driven near-record highs across the western US this weekend and early week, with forecasts showing triple-digit temperatures in cities such as Phoenix and Las Vegas and little overnight cooling.
- Hot, dry and windy conditions have raised wildfire danger across the West, prompting red-flag warnings, a Washington state of emergency and expanded burn bans as multiple large fires continue to burn.
- Cooling centres and shelters report heavy demand and supply strains, with some facilities struggling to provide enough water, beds and relief for seniors and people without air conditioning.
- The UK Health Security Agency issued amber heat‑health alerts that begin Monday for London, the South East, the East Midlands and the East of England, warning of likely strain on hospitals, care homes and emergency services during predicted mid-30s °C temperatures.
- Forecasters say the US ridge should weaken this week bringing limited cooling and some monsoonal moisture while Atlantic fronts will bring rain to northern and western UK midweek, but a strong El Niño and an exceptionally dry July mean drought and elevated risks will persist.