A historic heat wave is sweeping across California, with forecasters warning that Death Valley could tie or surpass the highest temperature ever reliably recorded on Earth. The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts temperatures in Death Valley may reach 129°F (54°C) on Sunday, just one degree shy of the 130°F (54.4°C) record set in July 2021. The heat wave is expected to bring two peaks: the first this weekend in Central and Southern California, and a second next week affecting most of the state, including the Bay Area.
The NWS Las Vegas office, which monitors Death Valley, has issued warnings of "dangerous and potentially record-breaking temperatures" beginning Thursday and continuing into early next week. While forecasts several days in advance carry a margin of error, meteorologists note that even slight variations could determine whether the record is approached, tied, or exceeded.
The heat wave is not confined to California. Las Vegas and Reno are forecast to experience their hottest August days in history, with temperatures potentially reaching 117°F (47°C). Record-setting heat is also expected in Montana, Colorado, and South Dakota.
The high-pressure system driving the heat is expected to intensify, with temperatures in Sacramento potentially exceeding 100°F (38°C) for more than a week, a rare occurrence in the city’s 85-year weather records. The NWS Weather Prediction Center has highlighted several regions where daily temperature records could be broken, though exact figures for Death Valley remain uncertain.
Extreme weather experts, including Colin McCarthy and Jeff Berardelli, have noted that atmospheric conditions could push Death Valley to 130°F (54.4°C), matching the global record. However, the NWS currently forecasts slightly lower highs of 123°F (50.6°C) on Saturday and 124°F (51.1°C) on Sunday for the area.
The prolonged heat wave has prompted warnings about heat-related hazards, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and power grid strain. Officials advise residents to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, and check on vulnerable populations.
The heat wave’s duration and intensity have raised concerns about its impact on public health, infrastructure, and wildfire risks. While some forecasts suggest the heat may ease by early next week, the lack of a clear end date has prompted ongoing monitoring and preparedness efforts.