Heat alerts cover western and central U.S. as temperatures reach record levels

Heat alerts were issued Sunday for millions of residents across the western United States as a prolonged heat dome began shifting eastward. Temperatures reached 111 degrees in Billings, Montana, and 109 degrees in Salt Lake City, both setting new records. The National Weather Service said most of Utah remained under an extreme heat warning through Tuesday morning.

Temperature forecasts and regional impacts CBS News meteorologist Nikki Nolan stated temperatures are forecast to run 20 to 30 degrees above average through the week. The Northern Tier is expected to peak Tuesday and the Northeast on Wednesday, with heat indices reaching the high 90s to over 100.

Extreme heat warnings were issued for large sections of the Dakotas. The National Weather Service described the prolonged heat as exceptionally rare for some locations in mid-July and warned of hazardous conditions spreading eastward while lingering in the central region through next weekend.

Wildfires and additional weather hazards In California, the Summit Fire burned nearly 3,000 acres and prompted evacuations outside Los Angeles before crews reached 31 percent containment by Sunday evening. Two additional wildfires ignited Sunday in Colorado's high country while crews continued fighting the Aspen Acres Fire, which has burned more than 850 structures.

Sen. John Hickenlooper said the state needs more funding for wildfire response after touring damage this week. Heavy rain and flash flooding struck parts of the South, including several inches of rain in New Orleans and historic flooding in southeastern Missouri that required airlifting more than 200 people from a children's camp.

In the Philadelphia area, microbursts with gusts up to 70 miles per hour caused damage, prompting Mayor Cherelle Parker to sign a Declaration of Disaster Emergency on Sunday.