Dozens succumb to heat in western US

Dozens of people across western US states have been treated for exhaustion and dehydration, as the region is continuing to bake in a heatwave.

A man in Las Vegas is believed to have died from a heat-related illness.

Air-conditioned "cooling centres" have been set up in California, Nevada and Arizona, as officials warn the heat could be life-threatening.

Temperatures in some areas are expected to be near 54C (130F) - close to the world's all-time record.

Several parts of California - including the desert town of Palm Springs - saw record highs on Saturday.

There are fears of wildfires, as the heat could last for several days.

Pushed to the limit

More than 34 people were taken to hospital after attending an outdoor concert in Las Vegas, Nevada, officials said.

They also said that an elderly resident was found dead in a house with no air-conditioning. The man suffered medical problems, but his condition is believed to have been aggravated by the heat, according to the Associated Press news agency.

The blistering heat wave gripping California, Nevada and Arizona comes after one of the driest winters on record.

For those on the coast, like these swimmers in Santa Monica, California, an ocean dip offers blessed relief.

But these are testing times for the heavily made up impersonators out in the heat on the Strip in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Air conditioning servicemen - here in Phoenix, Arizona - have their work cut out. Soaring demand for air conditioning is pushing power suppliers to the limit.

The mercury was set to hit 54C in Death Valley - where the highest temperature on record was set - 56.7C in 1913.

In Los Angeles, California, a number of people were treated for heat stroke and dehydration.

Shelters for homeless in Phoenix, Arizona, added extra beds as temperatures in the city were expected to hit 50C.

The Running with the Devil Marathon in the Mojave Desert outside Las Vegas - which had been scheduled for Saturday - was later cancelled because of extreme heat.

The National Weather Service earlier issued a heat warning for several parts of the region until Monday morning.

Temperatures in Death Valley in the California desert are forecast to reach 54C. The highest-ever temperature on Earth - 56.7C (134F) - was recorded there on 10 July 1913.

The heat wave comes after one of the driest winters on record, and there is a fear of wildfires, the BBC's David Willis in Los Angeles says.

Energy suppliers are expected to be pushed to the limit in the next few days, our correspondent adds.

Weather officials say the extreme weather is caused by a high-pressure system stuck over the area.

The US Border Patrol's rescue unit has added extra personnel this weekend as the threat of exhaustion and dehydration rises for those attempting to cross the US-Mexico border illegally on foot.

At least seven migrants were found dead in Arizona's desert last week in lower temperatures. Border officials in Tucson, Arizona, rescued more than 170 people suffering from the heat during a 30-day period in May and June.