If you’ve been enjoying a relatively cooler summer so far, things are about to heat up. The National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting temperatures up to around 110 degrees in Northern California due to a ‘heat dome’ along with elevated fire risks.
According to Jacob Spender, lead meteorologist at the NWS in Sacramento, a heat dome is a weather phenomenon when atmospheric conditions trap heat without shifting or breaking down, prolonging already high temperatures.
“As we kind of progress through the rest of the week, a ridge of high pressure is going to continuously build across the area, which is going to help increase our temperatures and dry out conditions,” Spender said.
Spender said heat will be moderate this week with Sacramento forecasted to be in the mid to upper 90s through Thursday. Beginning Friday, temperatures will reach the low 100s up to 105 degrees through the weekend into Monday with limited overnight recovery.
The hottest days for the Sacramento area so far this summer came on July 14 and July 15 when it hit 104 degrees, according to NWS.
Meanwhile, the San Joaquin Valley is forecasted to experience 105 degrees with temperatures rising to 108 degrees Monday and Tuesday.
There will be a moderate heat risk effective until August 4. Those sensitive to heat such as children, older adults, and those with medical conditions are urged to take precautions by limiting outdoor activities, staying in a cooler environment, and drinking plenty of fluids.
With high temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds at 15-20 mph, Spender said there will be elevated fire conditions.
“If people are headed out, just be mindful of your matches, cigarettes, or anything like that if you’re outdoors,” Spender said.
NWS says to keep vehicles off of dry grass and avoid using outdoor equipment that can accidentally create sparks.
As for when Sacramento will catch a break from the heat? Temperatures are expected to cool down to seasonal norms in the low to mid 90s by Monday, but the heat dome could be prolonged further into next week.
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