A long heat wave is settling in across most of California, threatening wildfires and raising public health risks including the spread of COVID-19 over the next week.
Heat will feel worse than usual, especially overnight, as a result of an unusual boost in atmospheric humidity caused by the remnants of a hurricane.
Climatologist Daniel Swain says some coastal areas will escape the most unbearable temperatures, but that heat will blanket 90% of California’s land mass, so most people should get ready.
âI suspect this event will probably end up being one of the most significant widespread California extreme heat events in the past decade, if not longer,â writes Swain on his Weather West blog.
Widespread & long-duration California heatwave kicks into high gear today. Many consecutive days of intense heat likely. Record daytime & overnight temperatures possible; poor overnight temperature recoveries likely in unusually humid airmass. Heat may continue for 10+ days.#CAwx pic.twitter.com/We4IknGEvH
— Daniel Swain (@Weather_West) August 14, 2020
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning in effect through next Wednesday, noting that âdrastic temperature differences will existâ between the coast and further inland, raising fears that Californians will flock to coastal areas despite the pandemic.
#RedFlagWarning in effect for northeastern California this afternoon later this evening due to gusty winds and low humidity. This is #CriticalFireWeather so use caution outdoors. More tips: https://t.co/upBwccxXFO pic.twitter.com/2hZ23AEK7K
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) August 12, 2020
Cal Fire has issued a red flag warning for the Sierra foothills and parts of northeastern California through next week.
However, that wonât necessarily prompt a public safety power shutdown. A spokeswoman for PG&E says the utilityâs in-house meteorologists take other factors into consideration, and the utility does not forsee issuing a PSPS this weekend.
County emergency and health officials are offering air conditioning at cooling centers for residents seeking a respite from the heat. Everyone will have to wear a mask and observe social distancing requirements, and capacity will be reduced to comply with health orders. People who believe they might have been exposed to COVID-19 should stay home.
National Weather Service issues Excessive Heat Warning and Heat Advisory, Friday-Sunday, for Santa Clara Valley. Visit https://t.co/WieZNw1lYh for cooling center locations and heat safety tips (English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Chinese). pic.twitter.com/Ro24MwCc7A
— Santa Clara OEM (@SCC_OES) August 13, 2020
In Santa Clara County, the Office of Emergency Management has opened cooling centers, some of which will be available until 9 p.m. over the weekend. Contra Costa has opened cooling centers at community centers where the coronavirus has curtailed the usual programs and services. Solano County cooling centers are usually in libraries; since theyâre closed on weekends, few options remain, including at community centers in Fairfield. The county recommends calling first.
You can use NOAAâs experimental tool to see more about your heat risk over the next week.
Health officials advise drinking water, keeping children and pets away from heat whenever possible, and checking on older neighbors, especially if they are alone.
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