Western U.S. Forecast to Reach 117 Degrees as Heat Wave Continues

A heat wave persisted across the western United States on Thursday, July 9, 2026, with forecasts calling for temperatures up to 117 degrees Fahrenheit in some desert areas. The National Weather Service said parts of Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas and Florida would see triple-digit or near-triple-digit readings through at least the end of the week.

Southern California's Coachella Valley, including Palm Springs, is forecast to hit 117 degrees on Thursday and Friday.

Phoenix recorded 113 degrees on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Forecasters said the city could reach 115 degrees by midday Thursday, with overnight lows possibly staying above 110 degrees into next week. Extreme heat warnings and advisories cover millions in the desert Southwest and portions of the Southeast until Friday night.

Extreme heat watches were issued for parts of Colorado, Montana and the Dakotas for the weekend through next week. Hiking trails in the Phoenix area have closed due to the heat. The Phoenix Fire Department has responded to about 400 heat-related calls since May 1.

Captain John Prado said crews handled two heat stroke emergencies and used cold water immersion daily across the city. Local officials reported 18 heat-related deaths in the Phoenix area so far in 2026, compared with five by the same date last year. Fire weather alerts remain in effect for parts of the region through Thursday.

The National Weather Service warned that overexposure can cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat indices in the Carolinas and Georgia could reach 113 to 116 degrees through the end of the week, the service said.