Heat Wave Grips U.S. West Coast

A heat wave is gripping the U.S. West Coast, with record temperatures expected from Washington state to California, and affecting parts of Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. Around 36 million people are under excessive heat warnings due to a heat dome centered over California, exacerbated by climate change. The National Weather Service forecasts temperatures to break daily high records, with Death Valley expected to reach near 130°F. The heat wave is also heightening wildfire risks, with evacuations in Santa Barbara County due to the Lake Fire. Another 36 million people are under heat advisories, and about 1 million face excessive heat watches. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for urgent climate action, while President Biden’s administration proposed new safety standards to protect against extreme heat.