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115°F Heat Threatens 100 M, Fuels Fires, Blackouts

7/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Heat indexes over 115 °F (46 °C) will affect more than 100 million U.S. people on July 4.
National Weather Service said first half of 2026 was hottest ever for parts of eight western states.
Washington climatologist Guillaume Mauger said low snowpack since April 1 raised wildfire risk.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis warned of drought and fire danger.
Colorado River levels triggered restrictions in Nevada/Arizona, prompting AI-data-center demand that could cause blackouts for Phoenix hospitalizations.

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Story summary

Heat indexes over 115 °F (46 °C) will affect more than 100 million U.S. people on July 4.
National Weather Service said first half of 2026 was hottest ever for parts of eight western states.
Washington climatologist Guillaume Mauger said low snowpack since April 1 raised wildfire risk.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis warned of drought and fire danger.
Colorado River levels triggered restrictions in Nevada/Arizona, prompting AI-data-center demand that could cause blackouts for Phoenix hospitalizations.