It remains ‘dangerously hot’ in the Fresno area, but expect slightly lower temperatures ahead

From “dangerously hot to just plain hot.”

That was the forecast Sunday from the National Weather Service, as a heat wave continued to bake the central San Joaquin Valley.

Fresno’s high Sunday was expected to reach 111 degrees, with 109 predicted for Monday. An excessive heat warning for the region was to be lifted Monday night,

But temperatures were forecast to remain above 100 through the coming week, with no 90-degree days in sight, even as the hottest weather moves east.

“A downward temperature trend is expected Tuesday and Wednesday,” the Weather Service stated in a forecast discussion. “The weather will transition from dangerously hot to just plain hot.

“Be that as it may, a Heat Advisory may be required for the San Joaquin Valley Tuesday. Triple digit heat is anticipated in most of the San Joaquin Valley Wednesday through Saturday. Dry weather will persist.”

The high temperatures were accompanied by rising ozone levels, according to the San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District, reaching close to Level 3, and sensitive individuals are advised to avoid exercise outdoors or other vigorous activities.

Very hot weather continued to melt the region’s record snowpack, sending water over the spillway at Millerton Lake, where the water level was 133% of normal for July 16. Nearby Pine Flat was 164% of normal.