An early season heat wave is set to scorch California and the West as a massive heat dome settles over the region, bringing extreme temperatures and heightened fire danger. Daily temperature records are expected to topple as thermometers soar to triple digits for the first time this year in several locations, raising concerns for the safety and well-being of millions of residents.

Excessive heat warnings have been issued for more than 10 million people in California, Nevada, and Arizona, indicating the potential for widespread and dangerous heat conditions. This warning, the most severe heat alert issued by the National Weather Service, is only used when significant threats to public health and safety are anticipated.

The blistering temperatures are being caused by a heat dome, a vast area of high pressure that traps and intensifies the heat with abundant sunshine. Starting on Tuesday, parts of California will experience the brunt of the scorching weather, with regions in the Central Valley, including the vicinity of the Corral Fire near Tracy, expecting temperatures in the upper 90s and low 100s.

On Wednesday, the heatwave will spread throughout more areas of the Southwest and reach the Pacific Northwest by late-week. While major coastal cities will be spared the most extreme conditions, Los Angeles is still expected to be 5 to 10 degrees warmer than usual. Death Valley, known as the hottest place on Earth, is forecasted to hit temperatures of at least 120 degrees by Thursday, much earlier than its usual mid-to-late June peak.

The Southwest will also endure scorching heat, with southern Arizona and far southern Nevada potentially reaching 110 degrees by Wednesday. Phoenix, which typically encounters such high temperatures in mid-June, could see its first 110-degree day of the year by Thursday. Las Vegas, too, is expected to surpass the 110-degree mark, more than three weeks earlier than usual.

The early arrival of this summer-like heat poses a risk of broken daily high temperature records across a significant portion of the West. Cities such as Phoenix, Las Vegas, Flagstaff, Reno, and Fresno are among those where records could potentially be shattered. As the heatwave expands north and east, parts of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Colorado could also experience record-breaking temperatures by Friday.

Amidst the sweltering heat, fire danger is on the rise. Dry and low humidity levels, combined with breezy winds, increase the potential for fires to ignite and spread quickly. Over the weekend, the Corral Fire erupted in California's San Joaquin county, scorching over 14,000 acres of land. While firefighters have made progress, achieving 75% containment by Monday morning, gusty winds and high temperatures continue to pose challenges.

Residents in affected areas have been urged to remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice. Two firefighters from Alameda County sustained minor to moderate injuries while battling the Corral Fire, highlighting the perilous conditions faced by the brave responders.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but the focus now turns to the challenges ahead. With gusty winds expected and temperatures poised to climb well into the 90s throughout the week, containment efforts will be tested. Additionally, an excessive heat warning is in effect for the region from Tuesday to Thursday, further emphasizing the need for residents to take precautions and stay hydrated.

As the West braces for scorching temperatures and potential fire outbreaks, authorities urge the public to stay informed, heed evacuation orders, and prioritize their safety during this challenging period.