El Centro forecast to hit record 118°F as heat expands to Montana
A heat dome stretching from Arizona to Montana is bringing record-breaking temperatures to the western US this weekend, prompting National Weather Service warnings for residents to stay indoors and increasing wildfire risks.
The ridge of high pressure holding heat close to the ground is expected to be relatively short-lived, but forecast highs in several cities could set records. The National Weather Service on Saturday forecast a high of 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius) in Las Vegas — the hottest temperature of the year in that city. Phoenix is expected to reach 116F (47C), and El Centro, California, was forecast to hit a record 118F (48C).
Even parts of Montana were expected to broil. The weather service forecast a record 104F (40C) for Great Falls.
Meteorologist Morgan Stessman said Saturday’s forecast high in Las Vegas was 10 degrees above normal, with dangerous heat expected through Sunday, when the high is forecast at 114 degrees.
The National Weather Service warned that the heat heightens wildfire risks in areas that are already dry or burning.