Death Valley, California, is forecast to see the hottest temperature of this heat wave: a blistering 126 degrees. The heat dome responsible for this heat wave may also set records for its intensity in parts of Southern California and Arizona. Heat is the deadliest type of extreme weather in the US, with a higher annual average death toll than tornadoes, hurricanes and lightning combined, National Weather Service statistics show. Heat triggers a wave of worrying impactsThe heat wave is also worsening wildfire and water concerns across the West, particularly the parched Colorado River Basin. The heat wave will only exacerbate the rate of evaporation and decline in water levels from these critical resources.