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Western U.S. Heat Wave Hits Record 118°F, Emergency Declared

8/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

The United States endured a heat wave on August 1-2 2026 that drove record highs across the West.
Temperatures peaked at 115 °F in Las Vegas, 116 °F in Phoenix, 118 °F forecast for El Centro, and 104 °F in Great Falls, Montana.
The U.S. Forest Service issued an enhanced wildfire-risk warning for Southern California while Montana stayed under a red-flag warning.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency and banned most outdoor and agricultural burning through September.

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Story summary

The United States endured a heat wave on August 1-2 2026 that drove record highs across the West.
Temperatures peaked at 115 °F in Las Vegas, 116 °F in Phoenix, 118 °F forecast for El Centro, and 104 °F in Great Falls, Montana.
The U.S. Forest Service issued an enhanced wildfire-risk warning for Southern California while Montana stayed under a red-flag warning.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency and banned most outdoor and agricultural burning through September.