Excessive heat: No end in sight for triple-digit Valley temperatures, wildfire smoke
An excessive heat warning is in effect for the central San Joaquin Valley and Sierra Nevada foothills until at least Thursday night as California wildfires have worsened air quality across the state.
There is no end in sight for daily triple-digit temperatures in Fresno, forecast to continue for at least another week.
Still, the National Weather Service at Hanford offered a glimmer of hope on Wednesday afternoon, saying the heat wave that hit the Valley on Friday is “finally going to weaken” starting Wednesday night thanks to a weather system further north that will push some wind into the region, “although temperatures will remain above normal.”
Wednesday highs were expected between 104 and 109 degrees from Merced to Bakersfield, nearing records set for Aug. 19. But temperatures ended up being lower, stymied by increased wildfire smoke, said Andy Bollenbacher, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service at Hanford. Fresno was previously expected to hit 107, but had only reached 101 or 102.
“The main concern for our area for the next few days will be smoke from several large uncontrolled wildfires in the region,” local weather officials said. “The smoke will reduce visibility and air quality over our area for the next several days. An Air Quality Alert remains in effect for the San Joaquin Valley through next Tuesday.”
Bollenbacher described the smoky air this way: “It is disgusting what we are seeing, to be completely frank.”
Particulate matter in the air, PM 2.5, increased sharply Wednesday afternoon in Fresno and is considered unhealthy. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District said “everyone should avoid outdoor activity.”
The National Weather said its excessive heat warning “means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures will occur.”
“Heat related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke are possible if simple precautions are not taken,” the warning continued. “Drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun, and remain in an air-conditioned room.”
The agency also warned of thunderstorms in the Sierra Nevada and an increased chance of cloud-to-ground lightning.
Bollenbacher said precipitation, and more thunderstorms, is also possible this weekend in the South Valley and mountains.
This story was originally published August 19, 2020 at 5:34 PM.
