Heat wave bringing record-breaking temps, heightened wildfire risk to parts of Western US

Source Summary

Dangerous heat was hitting parts of the Western U.S. this weekend, prompting warnings for people to stay inside and heightening wildfire risks in many areas. A high-pressure ridge is holding heat close to the ground from Arizona to Montana. Meteorologists say the good news is that it will be relatively short-lived. The National Weather Service on Saturday forecast a high of 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius) in Las Vegas, 116F (47C) in Phoenix and a record 118F (48C) in El Centro, California. Great Falls, Montana, was expected to hit a record 104F (40C).