It's 'dangerously hot' as extreme temps scorch these parts of the US

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Sure, it's summer, and it's supposed to be hot. But several parts of the United States will see unusually extreme heat over the next few days.

Parts of the West will see some of the worst of the heat, with notorious hot spot Death Valley expected to reach 121 degrees by Aug. 12, the National Weather Service said. For inhabited locations, cities such as Las Vegas (110 degrees) and Phoenix (111 degrees) are both under extreme heat warnings.

Other hot spots over the next few days include the Northwest and Northeast, along with the southern Plains. In all, nearly 30 million Americans live where heat advisories or extreme heat warnings are in effect, according to the weather service.

Western warmth

As is typical, some of the most extreme heat in the country will be in the Southwest from Aug. 10-13, leading to "dangerously hot conditions" for millions. In Las Vegas, where the high temperature will approach 110 degrees for the next few days, the weather service warned that "heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events."

Further north, the normally mild Pacific Northwest is also getting in on the heat. In Spokane, Washington, dangerously hot conditions with temperatures of 100 to 103 degrees are expected, with the hottest conditions likely Aug. 11 and 12. "This will pose a moderate to major risk of heat-related illness," the weather service said.

In Seattle, where air conditioning is not as widespread as in many U.S. cities, temperatures in the mid to upper 80s have prompted a heat advisory.

In the central United States, ongoing heat is also blasting the southern Plains, where much of the state of Oklahoma is under a heat advisory as of Aug. 10. The heat index was forecast to reach 106.

Northeast to also warm up

Across the Great Lakes, New England and the Northeast, high temperatures well into the 80s and as high as the mid-90s are forecast to continue for the next couple of days.

"A dome of high pressure will allow searing heat to take control in the coming days while the dry stretch continues across parts of the Northeast and southeastern Canada," AccuWeather meteorologists said Aug. 10.

Daytime highs are expected to top out as much as 20 degrees Fahrenheit above historical averages for the middle of August. Humidity across the region during this stretch will also increase, AccuWeather said.

The combination of heat and humidity will raise the risk for heat-related illnesses. Individuals should stay hydrated and avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

High temperatures are expected to peak Aug. 12, with highs topping out in the 90s to near 100 across the region. "Several cities have a shot at tying or breaking daily record highs—some of which were set over 20 years ago," said AccuWeather meteorologist Elizabeth Danco.

The normally scorching Southeast will catch a brief break from typical summertime swelter: It should remain somewhat cooler than average due to the prevalence of clouds and scattered showers/thunderstorms, according to the weather service.

How can your family stay cool? Heat safety tips

• Stay hydrated
• Stay inside with A/C and fans if possible.
• Wear a hat and sunglasses
• If outside, find shade and take frequent breaks
• Wear sunscreen
• Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing