Record-breaking heat is expected to continue in parts of the desert Southwest through the weekend, with temperatures rising into the Heartland. Extreme heat warnings are currently in effect for areas including Palm Springs, California; Phoenix; and Tucson, Arizona. Highs in these regions are forecasted to reach the 100s, with some locations potentially hitting 115 degrees.

Heat advisories are also in place for several areas in the Four Corners region and the Plains as the heat spreads eastward. Cities affected include Albuquerque, New Mexico; Dallas, El Paso, and Amarillo, Texas; Oklahoma City; Wichita, Kansas; Denver; and Sioux City, Iowa. These areas could see temperatures ranging from 100 to 110 degrees on Friday.

Albuquerque is expected to experience record-high temperatures through Saturday. However, the extreme heat in the desert Southwest is predicted to lessen this weekend. As the weekend progresses into next week, widespread heat is anticipated to return to the Northeast and much of the country.

Additionally, extreme heat may affect parts of northwest California, western Oregon, and southwest Washington. Locations from Yreka, California, to Portland, Oregon, could see temperatures soar into the 100s, with low temperatures only reaching between 60 and 70 degrees from Sunday to Monday.

On Thursday, Phoenix recorded a high of 118 degrees, marking the hottest temperature for August and tying for the ninth-hottest day since records began in 1895.

Red flag warnings are in effect across five Western states—Oregon, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico—due to critical fire weather conditions. These areas are experiencing single-digit humidity and wind gusts ranging from 35 to 55 mph, which could lead to rapid fire spread for any new or existing wildfires. Fire weather conditions are expected to remain critical at least through Saturday, with the possibility of continuing into early next week. A red flag warning is also active for Medford, Oregon, due to dry and breezy conditions.