Weather systems predict a massive and dangerous heat wave that will engulf Western United States over the weekend. This occurrence is due to the high-pressure system that will lord over the said area, particularly in the Southwest. Predictions claim that temperature in Death Valley will reach 129 degrees which is just a little off the area's highest temperature of 134 degrees.

According to the National Weather Service, the temperature in Phoenix can escalate to 118 degrees while the scorching heat in Las Vegas can reach as high as 117 degrees. Soaring temperatures are expected to be in effect from Reno, Nevada to Utah as well as some parts of Idaho and Wyoming. Also, areas in Washington can experience temperature that reaches the 90s by the following week.

The snowy region of northern Utah will not be spared for it can have a temperature of up to the 100s. Meanwhile, Albuquerque recorded a 19-year-high of 105 degrees last Thursday. Due to this trend, National Weather Service meteorologist Mark O'Malley claims that the high temperatures that may be recorded are unheard of because it spreads to a large region.

Furthermore, the weather service predicts that lightning strikes are possible but precipitation is minimal to none. Because of the possibility of fire, National Interagency Fire Center spokesperson Jennifer Smith that they are monitoring potential wild fires in the borders of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and Utah.

The areas that will be affected by the heat spell are already taking necessary measures to fight the harsh effects. The authorities are advising drivers to not leave living things on vehicles for they may perish. Also, makeshift cooling stations for the homeless and the elderly are also being erected. Furthermore, more personnel from the Search, Trauma and Rescue unit of the U.S. Border Patrol will be on stand-by in case illegal immigrants get dehydrated by the scorching heat.

Likewise, airline companies that have destinations in the affected areas are monitoring the situation closely. Over two decades ago, America West Airlines had to delay their flights for a few hours because they did not have ample data on how to fly through temperatures beyond 120 degrees. That day, the temperature in Phoenix is 122 degrees.

With more advanced facilities, US Airways spokesman Todd Lehmacher said that Boeing planes can optimally fly up to temperatures of 126 degrees while Airbus planes can withstand up to 127 degrees. However, there might be a delay with the flights using smaller planes especially if the temperature reaches 118 degrees. With a denser air, the performance of the smaller fleet can be jeopardized because the conditions during lift-off are tougher.

As for electricity, provider Salt River Project is keeping an eye on megawatt usage to prevent energy overload. Yet, spokesperson Scott Harelson believes that the consumption will be far off the record 6,663 megawatts used in August 2011.

Even animals at the Phoenix Zoo are equipped to withstand the high temperatures for they will be doused with water regularly and sprinklers will be kept open to make the atmosphere bearable. Frozen fish will also be given to carnivore animals. With reports from AP