Extreme heat warnings blanket US as heat dome shatters record temperatures

A prolonged heat dome has driven record-breaking temperatures across multiple US states, with officials warning of increased health risks and wildfire danger.

• Billings, Montana reached 111F on Sunday, its hottest day on record, while Salt Lake City hit an all-time high of 109F.
• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has forecast heat hazards to persist through next Monday across California and several upper midwest states.
• The National Interagency Fire Center reported 46 uncontained wildfires burning in states including California, Oregon, Colorado, Utah, Minnesota and Idaho, with 3.6 million acres scorched this year.
• Cara Schulte of Climate Rights International said the lack of nighttime cooling combined with daytime heat increases the risk of heat illnesses for vulnerable groups.