California is gearing up for an early-autumn heat wave, with temperatures expected to soar to record levels this week, as forecasters predict an unusual and intense heat dome will envelop much of the western United States. With over six million residents under heat advisories, the impact of this heat event is likely to be felt statewide, stretching through the weekend.
The National Weather Service has issued alerts for various regions, with cities like San Francisco, typically known for its mild climate, potentially experiencing temperatures in the mid-90s. This sudden spike in heat is attributed to a high-pressure system that is trapping warm air across the western U.S., making it one of the hottest stretches for early October in recent memory.
“This is unusual for this time of year, which is why we are seeing records being threatened,” remarked Ashton Robinson Cook, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, highlighting the rarity of such high temperatures so late in the season. Typically, ocean breezes provide a cooling effect along the California coast, but this week’s heat dome will prevent those breezes from reaching shore, exacerbating the heat and keeping conditions uncomfortably warm.