Dangerous summer heat will continue across much of California this week, with triple-digit temperatures expected to persist across inland areas as high pressure remains firmly in place over the West.
While parts of the country deal with severe thunderstorms and flash flooding, California’s biggest weather story remains the prolonged stretch of extreme heat.
Why is California staying so hot?
A strong ridge of high pressure over the western United States is keeping skies mostly clear and suppressing cooler air, allowing temperatures to climb well above normal during the day, according to the Weather Prediction Center.
The hottest conditions will be found away from the coast, where many valley and desert communities are expected to reach well into the 100s. Coastal areas will remain considerably cooler thanks to marine air.
The pattern is expected to hold through at least midweek, offering little relief for inland residents.
Where will it be hottest?
The highest temperatures are expected across:
Many locations will see afternoon highs above 100 degrees, with some of the hottest desert areas climbing well above 110 degrees.
Even after sunset, overnight temperatures will remain warm in many inland communities, limiting relief from the daytime heat.
Heat safety tips
When temperatures remain elevated for several consecutive days, the risk of heat-related illness increases.
Health officials recommend:
Those planning to hike or recreate outdoors should start early in the morning, carry extra water and be prepared for rapidly increasing temperatures.
When will the heat ease?
Forecasters expect the hot pattern to continue through at least Wednesday, with little change in temperatures across inland California.
Some day-to-day fluctuations are possible, but no widespread, long-lasting cooldown is expected in the immediate forecast, meaning much of the state will remain under dangerous summer heat for several more days.
What’s the difference between temperature and heat index?
The temperature is the actual air reading — what a thermometer records in the shade. The heat index, on the other hand, represents what it feels like to the human body when both temperature and humidity are factored in, according to the National Weather Service.
When humidity is high, sweat doesn’t evaporate as easily, making it harder for your body to cool down. That’s why the heat index is often higher than the air temperature, and why it’s used to gauge the risk of heat-related illness.
What is an extreme heat warning?
The National Weather Service issues different alerts depending on how severe and certain the heat threat is, and the thresholds vary by region.
National heat index map: How hot does your city feel?
The map below identifies areas where the heat index is forecasted to reach NWS-defined levels from “Caution” (80 degrees Fahrenheit) to “Extreme Danger” (above 125 degrees).
The heat index measures how hot it actually feels when factoring for humidity. Prolonged exposure to a heat index above 80 degrees can lead to fatigue, as previously reported by USA TODAY. As it gets hotter, the risk continues to increase − potentially resulting in heat stroke or even death. Older adults, children, and outdoor workers are generally at higher risk of heat-related incidents.
Search the heat index forecast in your area
Is your city getting hotter? It’s possible! You can check the heat index forecast here to find out!
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Brandi D. Addison covers weather across the nation as the Weather Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network and contributes to Texas Connect coverage across the state. She can be reached at baddison@usatodayco.com. Follow her on Facebook here.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Extreme heat lingers over California. How hot will it get?
Reporting by Brandi D. Addison, USA TODAY NETWORK / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brandi D. Addison, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
