Record-Breaking Heat Dome Set to Scorch Intermountain West and Northern Plains

Meteorologists are warning of an exceptionally intense heat dome building over the Intermountain West and expanding into the northern Plains and Upper Midwest starting this weekend and peaking early next week. The system, described by some as among the planet's strongest currently active, is forecast to deliver triple-digit temperatures, with isolated spots in Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and the Dakotas approaching or exceeding 110°F. Billings, Montana, could see highs near 111°F on Sunday, potentially surpassing temperatures in typically hotter locales like Phoenix. Credible forecasts from the Washington Post and AccuWeather highlight risks of all-time record highs in parts of the Rockies and northern Plains, alongside elevated fire weather threats affecting millions. The heat is expected to push eastward, bringing 100°F+ conditions to the Midwest and high 90s to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast by midweek. Agricultural impacts are already surfacing, with Chicago wheat futures rising on Friday amid concerns for crops in affected regions. Power grids, including PJM Interconnection, face heightened demand but are positioned for resilience following prior administrative priorities on generation capacity.