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Western U.S. Sets Record Heat, Fires, Floods Rescue Teens

7/13/2026

Summary

US Heatwave

July 12, 2026 set record highs of 109°F in Salt Lake City, 111°F in Billings and 115°F in Miles City.
Extreme heat and gusty winds raised fire-danger ratings to elevated or critical in Washington and Oregon while heat indices are expected to feel 105-110°F in Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Flash-flood watches covered Nashville, Lexington and Charleston, and Missouri officials rescued over 160 teenagers from Camp Taum Sauk after weekend floods.

Summary

NICC Sets Level 4

The National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) set National Preparedness Level 4 as 78 fires burned 2,961 sq km and mobilized 14,409 responders.
More than 1,000 structures burned in Colorado’s Aspen Acres fire (34 % contained) and Utah’s Cottonwood fire.
Three federal wildland firefighters died and two were injured in a June 27 burn-over on the Knowles Fire.
Charities deliver water to homeless while NOAA’s El Niño advisory warns lingering heat.

Summary

Winnipeg Heat Surge

A heat dome over the north-central United States will drive extreme heat into southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba through next week.
Winnipeg is forecast to hit 38 °C on Sunday, which could raise humidex in southern Manitoba into the upper 40s, near 50, and challenge city’s 47.3 record.
Overnight lows may stay near 28 °C, close to Winnipeg’s historic warm-night record of 28.3 °C set on July 12 1936, before a cold front eases temperatures Monday.

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US Heatwave

July 12, 2026 set record highs of 109°F in Salt Lake City, 111°F in Billings and 115°F in Miles City.
Extreme heat and gusty winds raised fire-danger ratings to elevated or critical in Washington and Oregon while heat indices are expected to feel 105-110°F in Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Flash-flood watches covered Nashville, Lexington and Charleston, and Missouri officials rescued over 160 teenagers from Camp Taum Sauk after weekend floods.

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