A record-breaking heat wave swept across the central United States on Sunday, with Salt Lake City reaching 109°F and Billings climbing to 111°F, both shattering all-time highs. Roughly 100 million Americans are under extreme heat alerts as the National Weather Service forecasts more than 90 temperature records to be tied or broken through Wednesday, many involving dangerously warm overnight lows.
The heat has hampered wildfire response in Colorado and Utah. In California, the Summit Fire in Antelope Valley burned nearly 3,000 acres with 31% containment, while Colorado's Aspen Acres Fire destroyed more than 850 structures. In Missouri, historic flash flooding required airlifting over 200 people from a children's camp.
Cities including Miami, Tampa, and Charleston are expected to see nighttime temperatures stay above 80°F, intensifying health risks for the elderly and vulnerable. Globally, Western Europe endured its hottest June on record, with the World Health Organization attributing over 1,300 deaths to the heat.