The United States is experiencing a stark weather divide as the East cools and the West heats up. East of the Rockies, temperatures are expected to remain near or below normal, providing a respite from the summer heat. Meanwhile, the western U.S. is bracing for a significant warm-up under a strengthening upper-level ridge. The interior Northwest is particularly affected, with potential for well-above-normal highs that could near or surpass record temperatures in eastern Washington and northern Idaho by Monday.