Heat Wave Intensifies: Live Updates on Extreme Temperatures

A historic heat wave is reaching its maximum intensity across the southwest United States and California, with temperatures predicted to establish numerous records well above 100 degrees. Death Valley, Calif., infamous for its heat, is predicted to reach at least 128 degrees and could touch 130, matching the highest temperature observed worldwide in the past 90 years. Heat advisories and excessive-heat watches and warnings have been issued in 14 states, covering a vast area from Washington state to the Mexican border and parts of the Gulf Coast region. The heat wave is expected to expand over the south-central and southeastern United States, where tropical-like humidity is producing dangerously high heat indexes. Europe and China are also experiencing extreme heat, with Italy and Rome potentially breaking all-time temperature records.