Sunday was hazy and hot in the Valley, with high temperatures reaching 101 in Hanford, 102 in Fresno, and 103 in Merced, Madera, and NAS Lemoore. The Garnet Fire, burning in the Sierra Nevada about 35 miles east of Fresno and responsible for the smoke/haze in the Valley, roared Sunday afternoon, thanks to drier air and hotter temperatures. It has burned almost 19,000 acres now and is 12% contained, as of early Monday morning.
The hot and hazy weather will continue on Labor Day. High temperatures will soar to the 101 – 106 range, and there’s a Heat Advisory for most of the San Joaquin Valley on Monday. If you’re working or having fun outside, take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water! The hot, dry weather should make the Garnet Fire aggressive again, and smoke from the fire will keep our air quality questionable. We could approach the Unhealthy range in the Valley at times; if so, be sure to limit your outdoor exertion…