Over the weekend, more than 59 million people across multiple regions were under heat warnings as the blistering conditions showed no signs of abating in the near term.

In the Western United States, major urban centers such as Los Angeles, Seattle, and Las Vegas endured sweltering temperatures exacerbated by what meteorologists termed a "persistent upper ridge." This atmospheric pattern fueled a widespread and enduring heat wave, with expectations of potential record-breaking temperatures throughout the weekend. Coastal areas and parts of the Great Basin were forecasted to experience temperatures ranging from the high 90s to the 110s Fahrenheit.

The National Weather Service issued stern warnings about the dangers posed by this prolonged heat wave, highlighting the severe risk of heat stress due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, particularly during the warm overnight periods.

Already, Palm Springs, California, set a new all-time temperature record of 124 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday, surpassing the previous record of 123 degrees. Death Valley saw a new high for the date at 128 degrees on Saturday, exceeding the prior record set in 2007 by a degree. Similarly, Las Vegas tied its record high at 115 degrees, while Reno, Nevada, shattered its previous July 6 record with a peak temperature of 105 degrees.

Despite narrowly missing its record, Phoenix reached 115 degrees on Saturday, prompting forecasters to warn of potential new highs on Sunday in cities including Las Vegas, Reno, Portland, Tucson, Orlando, and El Paso.

Throughout the weekend and into the upcoming week, extensive heat watches, warnings, and advisories blanketed much of the Western states. Oregon declared an extreme heat emergency, anticipating temperatures as high as 115 degrees in cities like Phoenix and Yuma, Arizona.

On the East Coast, temperatures were anticipated to rise significantly above average, accompanied by high humidity levels that could make it feel as hot as 100 to 111 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat advisories stretched from New York down to the Alabama coast, with Charleston, South Carolina, potentially experiencing heat index values up to 112. In response, cities such as New York City and Newark, New Jersey, converted public spaces like libraries and community centers into cooling centers to provide relief for residents.

Additionally, the dry and windy conditions across southern Idaho and southern Utah heightened the risk of wildfires, compounding the challenges posed by the extreme heat.

In summary, the weekend posed formidable challenges for millions across the nation, urging vigilant precautions against heat-related illnesses and stressing the critical importance of staying cool and adequately hydrated amidst the oppressive weather conditions.