The heat is expected to break records in the western US this week

(CNN) – This week, more than 130 heat records could be set in the west, from southern California to parts of Washington and Montana, as a crippling heat wave rolls on.

Heat alerts for 15 million people

In California’s Central Valley, high temperatures will be roughly 8 to 11 degrees Celsius above normal, according to the forecast.

In the lower areas, temperatures will be above 37.7 degrees Celsius, with a forecast of highs in the afternoon reaching between 38.3 and 41.6 degrees.

High temperatures Tuesday afternoon may tie or break daily records for maximum temperatures ever measured in Fresno, Hanford, Merced, and Madera on June 1st. An Excessive Heat Warning is valid until 8 PM PDT Tuesday evening. Reduce time outdoors and drink plenty of water. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/N9mXbVg7C2

– NWS Hanford (@NWSHanford) May 31, 2021

Forecast details in the west

The National Weather Service office in Sacramento explained that in Northern California, “maximum temperatures will be (approximately) 11 to 14 degrees above the weather for this time of year.”

High temperatures are expected to exceed 41 degrees Celsius in the Sacramento metropolitan area and possibly reach 42.2 to 42.8 in the northern Sacramento Valley.

Temperatures will be between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius in some parts of Montana this week. “There is high assurance that high temperatures on Wednesday could reach between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius in the valleys of western Montana, and up to about 37.8 in the central valleys of Idaho,” He said the weather service in Missoula.

The heat is coming to Montana later this week. Plan ahead to stay cool during the afternoon and evening hours. #mtwx pic.twitter.com/sCZ8Bp2FNR

– NWS Great Falls (@NWSGreatFalls) May 30, 2021

In areas around Las Vegas and Death Valley, a day with 37.7 degrees Celsius could be registered for the first time in the year.

“Wednesday and Thursday will be the hottest days, with highs that will be within a couple of degrees of daily records in some areas,” the meteorological service office in Las Vegas said.

?Excessive Heat Watch has been issued for WED & THURS which includes:
?️Las Vegas
?️Pahrump
?️Lake Mead Nat’l Rec Area
?️Laughlin / Bullhead City
?️Lake Havasu City
?️Death Valley NP#nvwx #cawx #azwx pic.twitter.com/S2yCTygI2o

– NWS Las Vegas (@NWSVegas) May 30, 2021

Increased fire hazard from heat

The weather service office in Medford, Oregon, warned residents to be extra cautious when lighting fires outdoors. Fires have already started in the region and could spread quickly with hot and dry conditions.

Pictures from today on the #SycanRiverFire.# FireYear2021 pic.twitter.com/xe6vKPkmhw

– SCOFMP Fire Info (@scofmpfireinfo) May 31, 2021

Please be very careful about anything that could start a fire in the next few days, making sure it is no longer burning when you dispose of it. Make sure to put out all fires in the areas where they are allowed before leaving the area, “said the weather service.

The hot and dry conditions will last much of the week. The temperature will start to drop again next weekend.