Heat dome bakes Southwest portion of U.S.

A heat dome is blanketing parts of California and the Southwest, bringing along dangerous conditions and breaking records.

More than 25 million people are living under a heat advisory in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico, CNN reported. High-temperature records have been broken this week in several areas.

The Associated Press reported that the recent hot weather was the first heat wave for 2024, with the official start of summer two weeks away.

Las Vegas broke a 2010 record of 110 degrees, seeing one degree higher on Thursday to reach the 111 mark.

Phoenix hit 113 degrees on Thursday, breaking the record there. The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management issued fire warnings, telling people not to start campfires, go target shooting or use fireworks, CBS News reported.

Fresno tied a 121-year-old record with 107 degrees. The National Weather Service in Sacramento told people to “Consider canceling outdoor activities during the heat of the day (3-7PM)!”

Reno, which typically sees highs of 81 this time of year, saw a high of 98 degrees on Thursday.

Death Valley’s 122-degree temperature on Thursday broke a 1996 record. National Park officials there are telling people not to go out hiking after 10 a.m. because of the hot weather. The park’s weather alert said, “Travel prepared to survive,” and reminded visitors that cell phones do not work in most areas of the park.

The National Weather Service said the temperatures are about 20 degrees above normal, CNN reported.

The HeatRisk map says there is “major” or “extreme” heat this week.

It isn’t just the western part of the nation feeling the heat. Parts of Florida could see records tied or broken, NBC News reported.

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