More than 45 million people are under alerts for dangerous heat across the United States on Sunday, with major cities like Los Angeles and Las Vegas facing extreme heat warnings. Temperatures are expected to climb into the triple digits across parts of the West and Great Plains, challenging daily high-temperature records in several locations.
Phoenix is forecast to reach 116 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday, while Rapid City, South Dakota, could see temperatures hit 103 degrees. Las Vegas Valley is under an extreme heat warning from July 30 through August 2, the second such warning in less than a week. Other cities under heat advisories include Denver, Fresno, Calif., Salt Lake City, Tucson, and Bismarck, North Dakota.
Fire Danger Increases in the West
The high temperatures, coupled with extremely dry conditions and gusty winds, are elevating fire danger across the Northwest and other western states. Red flag warnings for increased fire risk are in effect from Montana to Utah, and parts of Nebraska, Nevada, and the Dakotas are also under these warnings due to the hot, dry, and windy weather. The most severe fire danger conditions are anticipated across portions of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.
A fast-moving wildfire in Spokane County, Washington, ignited on Saturday and continued to burn on Sunday, consuming over 5,000 acres and prompting numerous evacuations. State officials report that approximately 600 structures have been damaged or destroyed, with an additional 4,000 structures threatened by the blaze.
Flash Flood Risk in the East
Meanwhile, scattered flash flooding is possible from the lower Great Lakes region to the central Appalachians and along Florida's Gulf Coast on Sunday. Rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches are expected, with isolated amounts potentially reaching up to 4 inches in areas experiencing the heaviest rain. Flood watches have been issued for Sunday across Michigan, Indiana, parts of Western New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina. Most of West Virginia is also under a flood watch. By Monday, the risk of flash flooding is expected to spread further into the Northeast, including New York City and New England.