Heat wave smashes records across central US

A record-breaking heat wave baked the central United States on Sunday, smashing temperature records from the northern plains to the Rocky Mountains. Salt Lake City and Billings both hit all-time highs, and the extreme heat is worsening wildfire conditions across the region.

How hot did it get in Salt Lake City and Billings?

Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah, and Billings, Montana's largest city, both reached 109F (43C) on Sunday. Preliminary data from the US National Weather Service confirmed the readings. These are all-time highs for each city since records began over 150 years ago.

How do these numbers compare to past records?

The new highs surpass the previous records of 107F for Salt Lake City and 108F for Billings, both measured in Celsius as 42C. Both records had stood for more than 150 years before Sunday's heat wave broke them. The scale of the increase underscores how unusual this event is for the region.

What effect is the heat having on wildfires?

The extreme heat has hindered firefighting efforts against massive wildfires currently burning in Colorado and Utah. High winds and dry conditions, worsened by the heat, are making containment more difficult. Forecasters expect the high temperatures to persist through Tuesday, extending the risk.

Has the eastern US seen a heat wave too?

Just over a week earlier, a separate heat wave gripped the eastern United States, pushing temperatures to around 104F in both New York and Philadelphia. That event came before the current wave moved into the central states. The pattern reflects a broader trend of back-to-back extreme heat events this summer.

What is causing the heat wave in the US?

Heat waves worldwide are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. The burning of coal, oil and gas releases greenhouse gases that drive rising global temperatures. This broader warming trend is contributing to the extreme conditions now affecting the central US.

How does this compare to Europe's recent heat wave?

Western Europe experienced its hottest June on record this year. The heat wave there left more than 1,300 people dead across the region, according to the World Health Organization. The toll illustrates the serious risks posed by extreme heat events like the one now hitting the central US.