Chris Dolce
Southern California will be locked into a heat wave this week as northern parts of the state face an increasing wildfire danger from gusty winds.
The hot temperatures will be the result of a strong ridge of high pressure over the Pacific Ocean that is nudging its way into California. Most areas of the state will have hotter than average temperatures in the week ahead.
Los Angeles is forecast to see highs around 90 degrees or so much of the week ahead.
Low 90s will also return as far north as the central valley of California, including Sacramento. San Francisco could see the middle 80s return by later in the week, which is far above the average high of 70 degrees this time of year.
Forecast HighsThe prolonged hot temperatures this week have prompted the National Weather Service to issue heat advisories for areas near and just inland from the Southern California coast much of this week. This includes Los Angeles and San Diego.
Heat AlertsBreezy winds blowing offshore in combination with the dry heat will also elevate the wildfire danger in parts of California at times this week.
This week's highest fire danger is expected in Northern California during the second half of the week. That's because an area of high-pressure building over the Great Basin will funnel stronger offshore winds through this part of the state.
The strongest winds and the most critical fire weather conditions will develop Wednesday and last into Friday. The northern Sierra and foothills as well as the Bay Area hills are some of the areas that could be affected by the gusty winds.
Fire weather watches have been posted by the National Weather Service for late this week where the combination of gusty winds, above-average temperatures and low humidity levels will likely be the most concerning.
Fire Weather AlertsPG&E says there is an elevated chance of a public safety power shutoff because of the wildfire danger in portions of Northern California beginning on Wednesday.
Wildfires this year in California have already burned more than 4 million acres, destroyed 9,200 structures and killed 31 people, according to the Associated Press.
Fall is when California's fire danger is typically highest because dried-out vegetation is primed to burn after the typical summer dry season. Gusty Santa Ana (Southern California) and Diablo winds (Northern California) also occur more frequently during this time.
California's fire danger will continue when there are periods of stronger winds until the first significant rain of the season arrives.
The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.
The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.
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