Triple-digit heat has lingered in Kern County this October, but forecasters say a potential landfall by Hurricane Rachel could bring a sharp cooldown and a shift in conditions across California.
Bakersfield has seen multiple days of temperatures in the triple digits, an unusual stretch for this time of year. Residents have felt the impact.
“It’s crazy! We’re out here hot and sweaty,” said resident Julie Tanner.
Eyewitness News Chief Meteorologist Ilya Neyman said forecasters believe Hurricane Rachel will make landfall in northern Baja, though some forecast models suggest it could potentially cross into Southern California.
“Several models take it a step further and actually think it will make landfall even further north, potentially crossing the shores of SoCal.”
If the storm makes landfall in Southern California, it would be the first time since 1939.
Regardless of where Rachel comes ashore, Neyman said Kern County should expect significant changes, including an end to the current heatwave.
“Our heatwave will end. Temperatures will come crashing down out of the hundreds, down into the 90s, back into the 80s, and maybe bottoming out into the 70s by early next week in the Central Valley,” Neyman said. “We’re expecting stronger winds, increasing clouds and even at the end, more thunderstorm development depending on how everything comes together.”