Extreme heat warnings are in effect across large parts of Texas, including the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Wichita Falls and Austin. Because of humidity, the heat index is expected to make temperatures feel as high as 110°F, or about 43°C. Heat advisories are also in effect from Amarillo and Oklahoma City to New Orleans and Jackson, Mississippi.
Meanwhile, dry and warm conditions are continuing across parts of the western and northwestern US, raising the risk of wildfires. The Hawk Fire, which started Saturday in the hills northwest of Reno, Nevada, rapidly expanded to more than 10,500 acres, prompting evacuations and threatening hundreds of homes.
Wind gusts of up to 30 mph were reported around Reno, while mountainous areas saw gusts of up to 40 mph. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County as firefighters and emergency crews responded to the blaze.
Severe thunderstorms are also possible across parts of the West, with damaging winds and large hail among the main threats. Isolated storms could also cause flash flooding, while lightning may trigger additional wildfires.
Dry conditions across the region, including severe drought and a lack of significant rainfall during spring and summer, have left large amounts of dry vegetation that could quickly fuel new fires.
High temperatures in the 90s Fahrenheit are expected across parts of the West, including Salt Lake City, Utah; Boise, Idaho; and Reno, Nevada, through the beginning of the workweek. The wildfire threat remains elevated across parts of the Northwest and northern Rockies as hot, dry conditions continue.
