- Following an exceptionally wet winter and a cloudy spring, California experienced the full force of summer on Thursday of a scorching heat wave, affecting much of the U.S. Southwest.
- This heat wave brought triple-digit temperatures and has heightened the risk of wildfires.
- The National Weather Service issued warnings for central and southern parts of California, cautioning residents to prepare for the hottest weather of the year.
After a historically wet winter and a cloudy spring, California’s summer was in full swing Thursday as a heat wave that’s been scorching much of the U.S. Southwest brings triple digit temperatures and an increased risk of wildfires.
Blistering conditions will build Friday and throughout the weekend in the central and southern parts of California, where many residents should prepare for the hottest weather of the year, the National Weather Service warned.
Midday highs were mostly expected to be above 100 degrees, and desert areas could reach 120, forecasters said. Little relief was expected overnight, when temperatures could remain in the 80s. An excessive heat watch was in effect through Sunday for interior Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
“Please plan accordingly, this is not the time to be hiking or be outside for long durations,” the weather service’s LA office said on Twitter. “If you need to work outside, shift hours to the early morning, take frequent breaks and hydrate!”
Employers were reminded to adhere to regulations that require outdoor workers are given water, shade and regular breaks to cool off. The state will be performing spot checks at work sites to make sure the rules are being followed, said Jeff Killip with the Division of Occupational Safety & Health.
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Across the U.S., more than 111 million people were under extreme heat advisories, watches and warnings, mostly in the Southwest, the National…
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