An unprecedented October heat wave has enveloped the West, with record-setting temperatures from California to Colorado.
On Wednesday, temperatures soared to 108 degrees in Phoenix; 101 degrees in Las Vegas; 100 in Napa, California; and 89 in Denver. Cheyenne, Wyoming, hit 85 degrees -- its all-time hottest October temperature.
More record highs are in the forecast for Thursday.
Temperatures could climb to 99 degrees in Sacramento and San Jose, California; 112 degrees in Palm Springs, California; and 103 in Las Vegas.
MORE: Historic October heat in the West made possible by climate changeHeat alerts are ongoing for a huge part of California, including the Bay Area and Los Angeles County. An excessive heat warning is continuing in Phoenix.
By this weekend, the record heat will spread into Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas.
MORE: Helene live updates: Helene becomes deadliest mainland hurricane since KatrinaThe West will also be under a very high fire threat into the weekend. Fire alerts have been issued from California to Montana.
Click here for tips on how to stay safe in the heat.