Record-high temperatures are expected across California for the holiday weekend, increasing fire risk and exacerbating poor air quality for residents yearning to go outside because of the pandemic but forced indoors because of smoke from nearby fires.
As fires continue to burn throughout the state, the National Weather Service (NWS) declared excessive heat watches in the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento starting on Saturday and lasting until Monday. In Los Angeles, where temperatures of 100F to 115F were expected away from the beaches, dangerous heat was declared.
“This is an exceptionally dangerous event, especially considering the holiday weekend and the ongoing pandemic,” warned the NWS forecast office in San Diego. “This event will be hotter than the recent mid-August heat wave. Temperatures this high, and this widespread, are rarely ever seen in this area.”
Daniel Swain
(@Weather_West)Another week, another major California heatwave. This will undoubtedly complicate ongoing wildfire situation, & may have elevated health impacts given ongoing “smokestorm” conditions that make it difficult to spend time outdoors/open windows. #CAwx #CAfire https://t.co/dV8WjpoJeQ
The NWS also warned of an increased risk of power outages, as more Californians will want to use their air conditioners amid the heat – and it highlighted an increased risk of vegetation fires. “Elevated to briefly critical fire weather conditions can lead to dangerous plume-dominated fire growth,” the forecast reads.
NWS Los Angeles
(@NWSLosAngeles)#SOCAL we have Dangerous heat coming this holiday weekend! High risk of heat-related illness, power outages and large #brushfires. Please use extra caution – let’s get through this #heatwave safely!! #CAwx #LAheat pic.twitter.com/YzyA2yXH8W
This heatwave strikes as typical air-conditioned public spaces such as malls and libraries remain closed in many locations because of Covid-19. “Those without air conditioning should make preparations now to stay cool,” the NWS said.
For many residents in regions choked by wildfire smoke – many of whom do not have air conditioning – the small respite offered by an open window is no longer an option because of the air quality.
Bay Area Air Quality
(@AirDistrict)Today, 9/2, Spare the Air Alert! Bay Area air quality is expected to be Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups in the Northern Zone and the South Central Bay, Moderate in all other regions. pic.twitter.com/2OtIPJzi2o
The heatwave comes on the heels of a lightning event that sparked a series of wildfires throughout the state. Since 15 August, nearly 14,000 lightning strikes have ignited 900 wildfires across California that have burned more than 1.5 million acres – 2,344 sq miles – and killed eight.
CAL FIRE
(@CAL_FIRE)The latest numbers on the Aug. #LightningSiege. More information at https://t.co/6s2QmGvwFi pic.twitter.com/4kq4HdcCcv
The excessive heat watches are expected to cool to heat warnings by Wednesday or Thursday next week.
