LOS ANGELES, USA: A “widespread and significant” heat wave is predicted to bring oppressive temperatures to drought-hit western US states over the weekend, with all-time records at risk of falling, the National Weather Service said Friday. A developing heat dome will spread from the Pacific northwest through the Rocky Mountains into the northern plains, where temperatures could hit 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius) on Sunday.

A blistering heat wave persisted in the western United States on Thursday, and temperatures are forecast to reach up to 117 degrees in some desert areas.

Most of America’s Lower 48 states are about to swelter under an unusually large, strong and long-lasting heat dome.