Here in the United States, a late summer heat wave is bringing some of the year’s hottest temperatures to southwestern states. Excessive-heat warnings are in effect in Southern California, where the National Weather Service is forecasting several days of triple-digit heat, with highs of up to 120° Fahrenheit in some areas. Meanwhile, Phoenix, Arizona, on Tuesday shattered its previous record after logging its 100th consecutive day of temperatures reaching 100 degrees or more — with no end to scorching temperatures in sight.