Temperatures continue to swelter all over the Western U.S. as record highs were reached this weekend in Salt Lake City and Phoenix.
A record temperature of 106 degrees was reached Saturday in Salt Lake City, beating the previous record for the day of 104 in 2022, 2006 and 2003, the National Weather Service said.
Saturday's high of 118 in Phoenix broke the record set for the day of 116 degrees in 2006. Saturday was the 23rd consecutive day with highs at 110 or above and the sixth consecutive day with temperatures of at least 115, tying the longest streak on record.
Los Angeles County issued excessive heat warnings and heat advisories for the weekend in the Santa Clarita Valley, Calabasas, parts of the Santa Monica Mountains and other areas. Residents were encouraged to stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day, stay hydrated and wear lightweight, light-colored clothes.
In Las Vegas, where temperatures have consistently been around 110, the National Weather Service conducted an experiment to see whether cookies would bake better in a hot car than on asphalt.
The agency found the cookies baked better in the car, where temperatures reached over 210 degrees.
"This is 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 heat indexes ranged from 106 to 112. Heat advisories remained in effect in the region until Sunday evening.
The National Weather Service said temperatures in the West, the South and the Gulf Coast this week are expected to remain hot but return closer to average. However, heat and humidity will rebuild across those areas by the end of the week.
"Take the heat seriously and avoid extended time outdoors," the agency said in a statement 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."
