Clouds to roll over Fresno from a tropical storm, but an excessive heat watch looms
If you’ve grown tired of excessively hot days, then you may want to enjoy Thursday’s weather before a heat wave hits the central San Joaquin Valley.
Clouds from the remnants of Tropical Storm Elida from the eastern Pacific Ocean are expected to trigger showers and thunderstorms in the Sierra Nevada.
Some clouds are expected to reach Fresno, keeping Thursday’s high temperature from reaching 100 degrees, said Jeff Barlow, the senior meteorologist at the National Weather Service regional office in Hanford.
After Thursday, the heat wave begins.
An excessive heat watch will be in effect starting Friday afternoon through Wednesday evening as temperatures are forecast to reach 103-107 degrees, Barlow said.
“We’re looking at those temperatures gradually warm over the next couple days,” Barlow said. “It’s going to last for a while.”
The temperature spike is caused by an upper level ridge of high pressure that allows the heat to build in over the western U.S. — especially in the central San Joaquin Valley because of the low elevation, Barlow said.
Barlow said high temperatures will shoot up to 104-105 on Friday, followed by a forecast of 106-107 on Saturday and 105 on Sunday.
The excessive heat watch means extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
Overnight lows are expected to be in the mid to upper 70s through the weekend, Barlow said.
Any relief in sight?
There will be slight cooling Monday and Tuesday when the forecast calls for highs each day of “only” 104.
“Not much relief,” Barlow said. “It is kind of getting out of the threshold of heat warning. We may stay in heat advisory.”
For the year, Fresno has hit 100 degrees 39 times — eight days in August, 17 in July and the rest in June and May.
Tempting waters
Barlow warns people about the temptation to cool off in moving water, whether it be a canal or a river.
“It can be quite deadly,” he said. “We had double-digit deaths (this year in the central San Joaquin Valley) because of swift, cold water. I know it looks inviting, but stay away.”
Barlow said he recommends that people do their chores between 6-10 a.m. when temperatures “will be relatively comfortable.”
He also recommends anyone working outdoors to take frequent breaks and “listen to your body and if you feel light-headed, jittery or nauseous, stop. It’s not about water. You have to get those electrolytes.”
Fresno cooling centers
With the NWS forecast of temperatures exceeding 104, the city of Fresno said its cooling centers will be open starting Friday.
Cooling centers, open 1-7 p.m., are at the Ted C. Wills Community Center, Frank H. Ball Community Center, Mosqueda Community Center and Pinedale Community Center. FAX bus rides to cooling centers are free.
This story was originally published August 13, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
