close
close

California is facing a heat wave after its first snow warning in 20 years

Posted on by Vanessa
California is facing a heat wave after its first snow warning in 20 years

play

California is facing a record-breaking heat wave and some cities are seeing temperatures 20 degrees above average, according to forecasters, weeks after the state issued its first snow warning.

“We have a period of above-average temperatures impacting much of inland Northern California,” Katrina Hand, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sacramento, told USA TODAY.

Hand said inland Northern California, which includes cities like Sacramento, Stockton and Modesto, will see temperatures in the high 90s and under 100 degrees.

The temperature in these areas is generally around 80° at this time of year.

“So we are about 15 degrees above the climatological average,” said Hand.

Areas of Southern California are also facing increased temperatures, according to the National Weather Service.

Temperatures reached 90 degrees in Los Angeles on Wednesday. In Santa Clarita, which is further inland, 103 degrees were measured.

Snow warning weeks ago

According to previous reporting by USA TODAY, California issued its first snow warning in 20 years in mid-September.

Several inches of snow were expected in the Sierra Nevada mountains, about 171 miles southeast of Sacramento.

A late heat wave

San Francisco, which is about 88 miles southwest of Sacramento, had a high of 95 degrees, according to AccuWeather senior meteorologist Heather Zehr. The temperature in the city this time of year is typically 79 degrees.

Typically, temperatures in San Francisco peak in September, which is “true for much of California,” Zehr said. This is because the winds that keep the Bay Area cooler come from inland more often than from the sea. The winds coming from the sea will also be slightly warmer at this time.

“While the rest of us are thinking about fall, the warmest part of the year is upon us,” Zehr told USA TODAY.

However, the city will see average maximum temperatures below 80 degrees, said the meteorologist.

On September 19, the “hottest day of the year” according to Weather Spark, temperatures in San Francisco ranged from 58 to 72 degrees.

When is California's heat wave supposed to end?

According to the National Weather Service, a heat advisory is in effect for Delta, Sacramento, the northern San Joaquin Valleys and adjacent foothills until 11 p.m. PT Friday.

“We see these above-average temperatures continuing tomorrow and into the weekend before gradually cooling off Sunday into next week,” Hand said.

What to do during a heat wave?

Both Hand and Zehr recommend that people stay hydrated and not spend too much time outdoors.

“The best thing you can really do is stay in the shade as much as possible if you have to be outside,” Zehr said. “Try to stay in the coolest environment possible.”

Until the heat wave passes, people in affected areas should monitor the weather and practice heat protection, Hand said.

According to the National Park Service, heat protection measures include the following:

  • Pack sun protection such as sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to minimize sun exposure.
  • Bring water with you when commuting or spending time outdoors
  • Eat salty snacks to replace electrolyte loss outdoors
  • Rest often in the shade
  • Stop outdoor activities if it gets too hot

Zehr adds that anyone who spends time outdoors should take as many breaks as possible and wear loose, light clothing that is also light in color.

“Dark colors can absorb heat from the sun and increase body temperature,” according to the NPS.

Zehr also advised people exposed to the heatwave not to drink alcohol as it can lead to dehydration.

Symptoms of heat illness

There are many forms of heat illness, but heat stroke is the deadliest and most dangerous, according to the NPS.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms of heat stroke include:

  • Body temperature of 103 degrees or higher.
  • Hot, red, dry or moist skin
  • Fast, strong pulse
  • Headache
  • dizziness
  • nausea
  • confusion
  • unconsciousness

In the event of heat stroke, the CDC recommends the following:

  • Call 911 immediately
  • Move the person who has suffered heat stroke to a cool place
  • Lower the person's body temperature by wearing cool clothing or taking a bath
  • Do not give water or other drinks to the person suffering from heat stroke

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *