The West Coast is getting ready for record-setting heat, with another extreme heat wave, and highs in the triple digits in parts of California on Saturday.
High pressure will strengthen over California through the weekend resulting in widespread triple digit heat and very warm overnight lows. This combination will lead to a period of widespread high to very high heat risk in the Sacramento Valley and adjacent foothills/mountains. Consequently, an Excessive Heat Warning is in effect from through Monday evening.
Even coastal regions, like San Francisco, where marine air dominates most of the summer, will see warm temperatures, but spared of the extreme heat of inland locations.
In Redding, California, the record for Saturday is 115, and forecasters believe that record could be tied or broken. The same may occur in Sacramento, where the all-time record high is 114 degrees and could be tied or broken.
The state Office of Emergency Services is helping local officials with cooling centers to help those who don’t have air conditioning. West coast residents may want to check on neighbors, particularly seniors, who are vulnerable to the heat, over the next few days to make sure they're safe.
Power outages could become an issue as well, with air conditioners running on high. California's Independent System Operator has issued a Flex Alert for Friday. These alerts generally occur late afternoon when there’s heavier stress on the state’s power grid. The ISO asks that customers set thermostats higher and refrain from using appliances, like washers and dryers from 4-9 pm.
Excessive Heat Warnings are not only out for California, but parts of Nevada, Arizona and Utah. Heat Watches and Heat Advisories have been issued for parts of Eastern Oregon, Southwest Idaho and Western Colorado.
The heat also elevates the wildfire threat. The drought in the west is deepening, drying out vegetation that is fuel for fires. Critical fire conditions will extend past the weekend.
Some cool down will occur by Tuesday of next week.