Phoenix has broken a hot-weather record set nearly 50 years ago on this date, hitting 118 degrees amid a heat wave boiling parts of the Southwest.

The National Weather Service says the high temperature surpassed the record for June 19 just before 1 p.m. Plus, meteorologist Mark O'Malley says there are still a few more hours to go before the temperature reaches its peak.

Forecasters say some areas could see a high of up to 120. The previous record was 115 back in 1968.

A strengthening ridge of high pressure lifting out of Mexico is on course to scorch portions of Arizona and southeast California on Sunday and Monday.

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1:45 p.m.

Triple-digit temperatures are sweeping parts of the Southwest this weekend and leading some people in Arizona to fall ill from the sweltering heat.

The National Weather Service says the mercury quickly rose Sunday morning, with some areas of metropolitan Phoenix reaching 110 before noon. Forecasters say the city could see a high of up to 120, approaching the record of 122.

Firefighters in north Phoenix rescued a 28-year-old woman who became unresponsive while mountain biking with friends in the morning. She was transported to a hospital in critical condition.

In neighboring Pinal County, a 25-year-old Phoenix man died Saturday of heat exposure while hiking.

A strengthening ridge of high pressure lifting out of Mexico is on course to scorch portions of Arizona and southeast California on Sunday and Monday.

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