Millions of Americans swelter through ‘dangerous’ heatwave with extreme temperatures set to turn deadly in two states

A blistering heatwave is sweeping across the Western states this weekend, putting millions at risk as extreme temperatures surge to dangerous levels.

About 1.2 million people are under ‘extreme heat risk’ advisories, with forecasters warning that dangerously high temperatures – combined with little to no relief overnight – could lead to serious health emergencies.

The most grueling temperatures are hitting California and Arizona with fears the scorching conditions could turn deadly on Sunday.

Heatwave conditions are stretching as far north as parts of Oregon and Washington.

In Arizona, the area of greatest concern is Tucson, where temperatures are expected to soar between 102 and 107 degrees Fahrenheit.

Meanwhile, California continues to grapple with widespread heat warnings, especially in the state’s Southern regions where residents are already experiencing prolonged high temperatures nearing 105 degrees, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

Nationwide, an additional 18.6 million people are facing a ‘major heat risk’ – a level of danger that poses significant threats to outdoor workers, athletes, and those without consistent access to cooling or hydration.

In Portland, Oregon, the NWS reported a preliminary record-breaking high of 102 degrees on Friday – shattering the previous daily record of 98 degrees set in 1942.

Approximately 1.2 million people were under ‘extreme heat risk’ advisories, with forecasters warning that dangerously high temperatures could lead to serious health emergencies. Pictured: Los Angeles County lifeguards stand on guard as people cool off at Castaic Lake

The most intense risk is centered in Washington, Oregon, Southern California and Nevada

The record-setting Portland heat has already sent people to emergency rooms. On Friday, during the city’s annual Hood to Coast relay race – which stretches from Mt. Hood to the Pacific coast – at least one participant collapsed from the extreme heat.

David Loftus, a writer and amateur actor from Portland, lost consciousness after completing his leg of the relay despite hydrating and pouring water over himself beforehand.

‘I don’t remember collapsing,’ Loftus said. ‘Some other stranger saw me wobbling and caught me before I hit the ground.’

He regained consciousness to find an ambulance waiting and spent the night under hospital observation before recovering.

His case was just one of 16 emergency visits related to heat recorded Friday in the Portland metro area – six of them connected to Hood to Coast participants, according to Brendon Haggerty of the Multnomah County Health Department.

Nationwide, an additional 18.6 million people are facing a ‘major heat risk’ – a level of danger that poses significant threats to outdoor workers, athletes, and those without consistent access to cooling or hydration. Pictured: Construction crews work in the heat in Los Angeles

‘Typically, we see a single visit or no visits. Yesterday, we had 16,’ Haggerty told the Associated Press via email.

The warnings come with grim reminders. In June 2021, Portland suffered a deadly heatwave with temperatures hitting 116 degrees.

The event led to over 100 deaths, most of them among people over the age of 60 and living alone. The youngest victim was 37.

Officials have since urged residents across the affected regions – including Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, and parts of California – to stay indoors when possible, hydrate frequently, and check on vulnerable neighbors as the heatwave continues into the weekend.