Record heat and threat of wildfires to continue in the west this weekend

(NEW YORK) — More than 30 million people remain under heat warnings from Arizona to Washington State, where widespread highs in the triple digits are expected. Extreme heat warnings and heat advisories remain in effect through Sunday — and into next week for parts of the Pacific Northwest.

The heat, dryness and wind pose a significant fire risk, especially for firefighters working tirelessly to contain and control the current wildfires across parts of California and the Pacific Northwest.

The chance of dry thunderstorms that produce a lot of lightning will increase in parts of Oregon and Washington. This could spark new fires, further increasing the risk. Red Flag Warnings remain in effect through Sunday evening.

The combination of heat and smoke from wildfires will also cause poor air quality in parts of the Pacific Northwest. As a result, Air Quality Alerts remain in effect for parts of the region.

Increasing heat in the west

The heat wave over the West Coast is set to intensify over the weekend and spread north, bringing temperatures to record highs across much of the region again on Saturday and Sunday.

Temperatures could reach record highs this weekend, with Las Vegas, Nevada, seeing highs of 113 degrees; Needles, California, seeing highs of 117 degrees; and Mount Shasta, California, seeing highs of 100 degrees on Saturday.

The following places could reach record high temperatures on Sunday: Boise, Idaho, where temperatures could reach 108 degrees Fahrenheit (42 degrees Celsius); Spokane, Washington, where temperatures could reach 108 degrees Fahrenheit (42 degrees Celsius); Yakima, Washington, where temperatures could reach 106 degrees Fahrenheit (41 degrees Celsius); Baker, Oregon, where temperatures could reach 102 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius); and Las Vegas, Nevada, where temperatures could reach 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius).

High temperatures and humidity will also affect parts of central and southern Florida on Saturday and Sunday. Near Orlando, Sanford, Florida, temperatures could reach near record levels on Saturday, with highs expected to climb into the mid-90s.

Heat warnings remain in effect through Sunday evening across South Florida, where heat index values as high as 108 degrees Fahrenheit are possible.

Heavy rain and flash flooding in the south

Weather conditions in the south will remain soggy and unsettled over the next few days. A few severe storms could bring damaging winds, but heavy rain and the threat of flash flooding remain a greater concern.

The stagnant front bringing rain and storms to the south will continue to bring locally heavy rainfall to parts of the region over the coming days.

Another 2 to 3 inches of rain are expected next week from Texas to Virginia and the Carolinas, with more locally possible.

Flooding continues to pose a greater threat in parts of southeastern Virginia, where flood warnings remain in effect. After 4 to 6 inches of rain fell in parts of the state, additional rainfall over the next few days will only increase the risk of flooding, or worsen the flooding that is already underway.

Meanwhile, showers and storms across the central US will continue to keep temperatures near or below normal for the next few days and into next week.

Severe storms are also possible across parts of the High Plains Saturday afternoon and evening, bringing damaging winds, hail and locally heavy rainfall.

Flood warnings also remain in effect for parts of New Mexico’s southern Rocky Mountains. Additional rainfall from storms could lead to flooding there through Saturday evening.