Dramatic temperatures of nearly 120F (nearly 49C) hit Arizona, Nevada and California amid one of the highest heatwaves recorded in the region. Authorities have cautioned that the heat poses a life-threatening risk to the elderly, the sick, the homeless and migrants crossing the Sonoran desert into the US.

Universal City, California

Children are playing in the middle of a water fountain at Universal CityWalk.

Photo: Mark J. Terrill/AP

Salvation Army volunteer Jackie Rifkin tries to keep cool at she works at a special Salvation Army hydration station to help locals stay alive.

Photo: Ross D. Franklin/AP

Death Valley, California

A special sign is warning tourists about to enter the Death Valley national park.

Photo: Steve Marcus/Reuters

Tempe, Arizona

Phoenix radio station KSLX handed out the protective coverings to protect dogs’ paws from the hot pavement.

Photo: Angie Wang/AP

A Phoenix-area construction worker drinks water at a job site on 20 June

Photo: Ralph Freso/Getty Images

An American Airlines grounds crew member at Sky Harbor international airport puts on a wet hat to combat the heat

Photo: Matt York/AP