2.3 day old moon
5.7 percent lit
August 15, 2015
PHOENIX -- Much of the West (click here) was smothered in a blanket of heat Saturday with triple-digit temperatures hitting Phoenix, Los Angeles and other cities.
Above-normal temperatures were expected through the weekend as a high-pressure system centered over New Mexico acted like a lid to block cooler air, leaving valleys, deserts and mountains high and very dry.
Authorities warned people not to leave small children or pets in cars, where temperatures can quickly soar. Los Angeles and other cities were keeping libraries and other facilities open late to serve as cooling shelters for those without air conditioning.
Phoenix broke a daily record Friday, reaching 117 degrees, and the expected Saturday high of 116 would top a 1992 record by 4 degrees, National Weather Service meteorologist Dan Leins said.
"Stay inside if you can," he said. "It's dangerous, regardless of how acclimated you are to the climate, because it can be deadly."
Saturday was Phoenix's 18th day this year with temperatures above 110 degrees, CBSaffiliate KPHO reported....
