The hot conditions are expected to persist in the western United States, with dozens of heat records potentially being set in states such as California, Nevada, and Colorado. This unseasonable warmth follows a summer of extreme temperatures, with both Arizona and California experiencing their warmest summers on record. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts that extreme heat will continue to worsen due to climate change, leading to more frequent, intense, and longer-lasting heat waves.
The NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center forecasts a 50% chance of above-average temperatures in the West through October, potentially extending the unseasonable warmth into autumn. The high temperatures increase the risk of wildfires, with red flag warnings in effect in several states, including Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming. This combination of record-breaking heat and increased wildfire risk highlights the ongoing impact of climate change in the region.
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