Los Angeles (AP) - A devastating heat wave continues to tighten its grip on the Western United States, leaving in its wake shattered temperature records, one death, and scores of heat alerts impacting over 50 million people.

As the heat wave persists, dozens of locations in the West and Pacific Northwest have either tied or broken previous temperature records in recent days. Additionally, experts predict that more than 165 daily high temperature records could be matched or surpassed over the course of this week.

Northern California, Las Vegas, and Phoenix bore the brunt of the scorching heat, with temperatures in many areas of Northern California exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday. Las Vegas experienced an all-time record high of 120 degrees, while Phoenix established a new record for the warmest low temperature, with the mercury failing to dip below 92 degrees.

The oppressive conditions proved fatal in Death Valley National Park, wherein a visitor lost their life due to heat exposure on Saturday. The victim, part of a group of six motorcyclists riding through the sweltering Badwater Basin area, succumbed to the extreme weather. Another member of the group was hospitalized with severe heat illness and transported to a Las Vegas medical facility. Unfortunately, emergency medical helicopters were unable to respond due to the high temperatures, which exceeded safe flight limits of 120 degrees.

Mike Reynolds, the superintendent of Death Valley National Park, urged visitors to exercise caution during this period of potentially record-breaking temperatures. He emphasized the importance of avoiding prolonged exposure to the extreme heat and encouraged individuals to spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned environments.

The heat wave, which has persisted since July 4, shows no signs of relenting and is expected to continue until at least Saturday. Officials have issued warnings about the cumulative effect of heat illness and injury over consecutive days.

Motorcyclists faced additional challenges when exploring Death Valley, as the heavy safety gear necessary for protection in case of an accident exacerbated heat-related issues. Despite these dangers, some like visitor Chris Kinsel embraced the opportunity to experience Death Valley during record-breaking heat, stating, "Death Valley during the summer has always been a bucket list thing for me."

The scorching temperatures also impacted other regions. In Nevada, families sought refuge from the heat at water parks, while in Oregon, multiple temperature records were broken. On the East Coast, temperatures above 100 degrees were widespread but without any excessive heat advisories in effect. Authorities have urged people to stay hydrated, seek shelter in air-conditioned spaces, and check on vulnerable individuals.

Heat advisories, a rarity in higher elevations, were extended to areas around Lake Tahoe, highlighting the severity of the heat wave. The National Weather Service in Reno warned of "major heat risk impacts, even in the mountains," and projected temperatures above 100 degrees until the following weekend in western Nevada and northeastern California.

In the upcoming days, more extreme highs are anticipated, with Furnace Creek in Death Valley potentially reaching 130 degrees, a temperature that would rival the hottest ever officially recorded on Earth. Conflicting records indicate that the hottest temperature recorded in Death Valley was either 134 degrees in July 1913 or 130 degrees in July 2021.

As the heat wave's effects ripple across the country, Maricopa County in Arizona has already reported 13 confirmed heat-related deaths this year, along with over 160 additional deaths suspected of being heat-related, pending investigation.

As the blistering heat continues to scorch the US, authorities and individuals alike are urged to prioritize safety, limit outdoor exposure, and take necessary precautions to withstand the record-breaking temperatures.