### Western U.S. Sizzles as October Heat Wave Shatters Records

Unprecedented high temperatures swept across the western United States on Wednesday, breaking over 50 previous heat records in a remarkable October heat wave. Phoenix set a new high of 108 degrees Fahrenheit, surpassing the 1980 record of 107 degrees, as reported by the National Weather Service. Yuma, Arizona matched its previous high of 112 degrees, which was also established in 1980.

California experienced several new daily temperature records as well. San Jose recorded a staggering high of 106 degrees, far above the 96 degrees registered in both 1980 and 2012. Napa saw its thermometer hit 103 degrees, eclipsing the previous record of 102 degrees from 1980. This extreme heat is expected to persist, with forecasters predicting more records to tumble from California to Colorado as the weekend approaches.

The ongoing severe heat wave is troubling, especially as climate change studies indicate that such events are becoming more frequent, more intense, and longer-lasting. The National Weather Service anticipates dangerously high temperatures to continue in California, with predictions of up to 112 degrees in the eastern San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, and western San Fernando Valley. The Bay Area may also see temperatures soar to 102 degrees.

In Death Valley National Park, lower elevations could experience temperatures as high as 113 degrees, creating perilously hot conditions for early October, according to a National Weather Service alert. Arizona faces a "major heat risk" through the weekend, with some regions expecting temperatures up to 115 degrees. Neighboring Nevada isn't faring much better, with parts possibly reaching up to 110 degrees.

Meanwhile, on the eastern coast, temperatures climbed into the mid-90s in areas of Florida recently devastated by Hurricane Helene, including Tampa, Fort Myers, and St. Petersburg.