Forecast

Scorching Heat to Bake Desert Southwest

High-pressure aloft has taken over the Desert Southwest and the central valley of California, allowing temperatures to heat up to extreme levels into the weekend. We have a look at some of the locations that will continue to see hot, dry conditions for Saturday and Sunday.

The heat has proven deadly, as a man died and five others (including four Boy Scouts) suffered heat-related illnesses after being lost during a hike Saturday inside the Lake Mead National Recreation Area in northwest Arizona.

120-Degree Heat in Death Valley

When it comes to extreme heat, Death Valley, Calif. is king and holds the official title as the hottest place on Earth with an all-time record high of 134 degrees nearly 100 years ago.

On Thursday, Death Valley recorded its first 120-degree day of 2013. Saturday set the bar even higher as Death Valley reached a whopping 126 degrees; not only was this a record high for June 8, but it was the earliest calendar date for such heat in Death Valley. Previously Death Valley's earliest 126-degree reading was on June 16 in 2000.

Highs in the low 120s are expected on Sunday as well. A "cooling" trend will bring highs only in the low to mid 110s beginning Monday.

Highs in the 120s are not unusual in Death Valley. In fact, only one single year since 1911 has not seen at least a single day of 120-degree heat. The average annual number of days in the 120s is 18 based on averages from 1981-2010.

(FORECAST: Death Valley)

Death Valley isn't the only location that will continue to experience temperatures beyond the century mark.

(INTERACTIVE: Current Temperatures)

Who Will See 110s?

Phoenix, Ariz.

Reached the 110-degree mark for the first time this year on Thursday. Temperatures are expected to rise near 110 through much of the upcoming workweek.
Phoenix averages around 18 days of 110-degree heat each year (1981-2010 average).

Las Vegas, Nev.

Will get close to 110 degrees Sunday before dropping into the lower 100s for the workweek.
On average, temperatures reach 110 or higher around 7 to 8 days per year.

Fresno, Calif. and Redding, Calif

Both of these California valley locations could hit the 100-degree mark again Sunday.
Redding reached 111 Saturday, the first time they've reached the 110s in spring since records began in 1986.

If you live near the areas highlighted above, be sure to take precautions. You can find heat safety tips at the link below.

(MORE: Heat Safety)