Heat wave in Western U.S. could kick off sweltering summer

A significant early-season heat wave headed for western North America is threatening to deliver stifling temperatures that could break records. Here, a jet soars above Phoenix during a period of extreme heat in July 2023. (Matt York / Associated Press) A significant early-season heat wave headed for western North America is threatening to deliver stifling temperatures that could break records, prime the landscape for wildfires and kick off a sizzling summer. A powerful high-pressure ridge, or heat dome, will bring unusually hot temperatures to the Golden…