Overview
- National Weather Service and local forecasts show heat advisories and warnings across New England, the Mid‑Atlantic, the interior West and Southwest deserts, with heat‑index values near or above 100°F in many population centers this weekend.
- Desert zones from Southern California to Las Vegas remain under Extreme Heat Warnings with daytime highs well above 110°F and overnight lows unusually warm, increasing strain on cooling and power systems.
- Scattered afternoon and evening storms are expected in many regions, and the Storm Prediction Center and local NWS offices warn of a slight severe risk for damaging winds in parts of the Mid‑Atlantic and Northeast during evening commutes.
- Wildfire smoke from large Pacific Northwest fires is producing hazy skies and intermittent air‑quality degradation in the West, while very low humidity and gusty winds in inland western areas are creating elevated to critical fire‑weather conditions.
- Forecast models agree a trough could bring cooling and more widespread thunderstorms early next week, but forecasters stress that the timing and strength of that change remain uncertain and local watches and advisories are the best immediate guidance.