Central California is bracing for a prolonged and dangerous heat wave with temperatures expected to soar to around 15 degrees above normal by Wednesday.
An Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect through Monday, July 8th, and may be extended further.
The San Joaquin Valley and Kern County desert are expected to face major to extreme heat risk, with temperatures potentially exceeding 105 and even 110 degrees for several consecutive days.
This severe heat event is compounded by a high risk of grass fires due to herbaceous fuel loading at near 120% of normal, minimum relative humidities around 15%, and poor overnight humidity recovery.
The upper ridge responsible for these conditions is forecasted to remain over California for at least the next ten days, leading to extremely high temperatures and increased fire risks.
Historical data shows that similar prolonged heat periods have occurred, with Bakersfield, Fresno, Merced, Madera, and Hanford experiencing multiple consecutive days of extreme heat.