West Coast heat wave

 Time -  A heat wave is expected to set record high temperatures in parts of the West Coast this week, bringing sizzling days and wildfire risks to millions.  Parts of Oregon, California, and Washington are expected to see temperatures near 100°F, with heat warnings in effect until Wednesday evening. “This heat will be dangerous, posing a threat to anyone without effective cooling and adequate hydration,” the National Weather Service (NWS) wrote in a forecast discussion on Monday.

The agency warned that extreme heat poses a danger in the evening as well, as temperatures are expected to remain above average overnight. As of Monday morning, nearly 8 million Americans were under heat alerts, according to the National Integrated Heat Health Information System.

“For many areas, there will be little nighttime relief from the extreme heat, with overnight lows remaining well above normal,” the NWS said. “Extreme heat is dangerous even at night when temperatures do not cool down.”

The high temperatures, coupled with dry conditions, are also expected to increase wildfire risk across the West, where wildfires are already burning. Napa County, Calif.’s Pickett Fire has burned over 6,800 acres since it began last Thursday, and was only 13% contained as of Monday morning. In central Oregon, the Flat fire has burned through nearly 22,000 acres since Thursday.