Dangerous heat wave baking US Southwest brings triple digit temperatures, fire risk to California
After a historically wet winter and a cloudy spring, California’s summer is in full swing
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — After a historically wet winter and a cloudy spring, California's summer was in full swing Thursday as a heat wave that's been scorching much of the U.S. Southwest brings triple digit temperatures and an increased risk of wildfires.
Blistering conditions will build Friday and throughout the weekend in the central and southern parts of California, where many residents should prepare for the hottest weather of the year, the National Weather Service warned.
Midday highs were mostly expected to be above 100 degrees (37.7 C), and desert areas could reach 120 (48.8 C), forecasters said. Little relief was expected overnight, when temperatures could remain in the 80s (above 26.6 C). An excessive heat watch was in effect through Sunday for interior Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
“Please plan accordingly, this is not the time to be hiking or be outside for long durations,” the weather service's LA office said on Twitter. “If you need to work outside, shift hours to the early morning, take frequent breaks and hydrate!”
