Temperatures continue to rise across the western United States as record highs were reached this weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah and Phoenix, Arizona.
A record high temperature of 106 degrees Fahrenheit was reached in Salt Lake City on Saturday, surpassing the previous record high daytime temperature of 104 reached in 2022, 2006 and 2003, according to the National Weather Service.
in phoenix, Saturday’s high temperature of 118 degrees Fahrenheit broke the previously set record for the day in 2006 of 116 degrees. Saturday marked the 23rd straight day in the city with high temperatures reaching 110 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and the sixth straight day with temperatures reaching at least 115 degrees, tying the longest streak of such temperatures on record.
Los Angeles County has issued Excessive Heat Warnings and Weekend Heat Advisories for areas including the Santa Clarita Valley, Calabasas and parts of the Santa Monica Mountains. Residents were encouraged to stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day, stay hydrated, and wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
In Las Vegas, where temperatures have consistently hovered in the 110s, the National Weather Service conducted an experiment to see if cookies would bake better in a hot car than on asphalt.
The agency found that the cookies baked best in the car, where temperatures reached above 210 degrees Fahrenheit.
«That’s why we constantly remind people to NEVER leave children or pets in a hot car!» The agency tweeted.
Temperatures have also been high along the Gulf Coast, including in southeast Texas, where the heat index ranges from 106 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat advisories remain in effect for the region through Sunday night.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures in the West, South and Gulf Coast are expected to remain high next week, but move closer to average. However, heat and humidity will recover in these areas by the end of this week.
«Take the heat seriously and avoid spending a lot of time outdoors,» the agency said in a statement issued Sunday. «Temperatures and heat indices will reach levels that would pose a health risk to anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. Nighttime temperatures will provide very little relief.»