Temperatures continue to rise across the western United States, with record highs set in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Phoenix, Arizona this weekend.
A record temperature of 106 degrees Fahrenheit was reached in Salt Lake City on Saturday, surpassing the previous high-day record of 104 set in 2022, 2006 and 2003, according to the National Weather Service.
In Phoenix, Saturday’s high of 118 degrees Fahrenheit broke the previous record for the 2006 day of 116 degrees. Saturday was the city’s 23rd straight day with high temperatures reaching 110 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and the sixth straight day with temperatures reaching at least 115 degrees, tying the longest streak of such temperatures on record.
Los Angeles County issued excessive heat advisories and heat advisories over the weekend for areas including the Santa Clarita Valley, Calabasas and parts of the Santa Monica Mountains. Residents were encouraged to stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day, stay hydrated, and wear light, light-colored clothing.
In Las Vegas, where temperatures have consistently hovered around 110 degrees Fahrenheit, the National Weather Service conducted an experiment to see if cookies bake better in a hot car than on asphalt.
The agency found that the cookies cook best in the car, where temperatures exceeded 210 degrees Fahrenheit.
“That’s why we constantly remind people to NEVER leave children or pets in a hot car!” the agency he tweeted.
Temperatures have also been high along the Gulf Coast, including in southeast Texas, where the heat index ranges from 106 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat advisories remain in effect for the region through Sunday evening.
Temperatures on the West, South and Gulf Coasts next week are expected to remain warm but return closer to average, according to the National Weather Service. However, heat and humidity will return to these areas later this week.
“Take the heat seriously and avoid extended time outdoors,” the agency said in a statement issued Sunday. “Temperatures and heat indices will reach levels that would pose a health risk to anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. Nighttime temperatures will provide very little relief.”
