Fresno is heading into a heat wave. Just how hot will it be and how long will it last?
The National Weather Service is predicting a work-week heat wave for the Fresno area, with high temperatures topping 105 and lows settling into the mid 70s.
Those new to the area should take heed.
This kind of prolonged heat is dangerous, and an elevated risk for those who are heat sensitive of those without access to proper cooling or hydration.
On Sunday, the weather service issued an Excessive Heat Watch.
That could become a full-on heat warning by Wednesday, when temperatures in the area could reach as high as 108.
“Fresno is clearly the hottest area,” the weather service said during a conference call with media and public health organizations on Monday, when the high temperature was expected to be 103 degrees.
On Tuesday, there is a 70% chance the daily high will top 105, the weather service said. There is a nearly 50% chance of it hitting 107 degrees or higher on Wednesday.
Overnight lows will be in the mid- to high-70s, especially in urban areas, like Fresno. That means both days will have a high potential for heat risks, the weather service said.
People are being reminded to stay hydrated and indoors in a cool place.
Excessive heat in the San Joaquin Valley, Lower Sierra foothills, Kern River Valley, and Coastal Range Tuesday through Friday will result in an enhanced to dangerous risk for heat-related illnesses. Drink plenty of fluids and stay out of the sun. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/nIRreN1jti
— NWS Hanford (@NWSHanford) August 15, 2022
Cooling center open
Fresno operates its four cooling centers any time the weather service predicts high temperatures above 105 degrees. The center are open from noon to 7 p.m. Pets are allowed in cooling shelters, though they need to be leashed and under the care of the owner at all times, per the city.
Visalia will open its Transit Center, at 425 E. Oak Ave, as a cooling center on Tuesday. It will remain open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Saturday.
A return to normal by the weekend
By Friday, the most excessive heat will leave the area as the ridge of high pressure is replaced by a ridge of low pressure coming in from the Pacific Northwest. Daily highs are expected in the 103-104 degree range, the weather service said, and overnight lows will be cooler.
High temperatures should be near normal by Sunday afternoon.
While the temperatures for the week will be 10 degrees hotter than the average for this month, they won’t be breaking any records. Tuesday’s hottest daily record is 112 degrees, set in 2020.
The city’s longest run of daily temperatures above 105 lasted a full two weeks in late July 1988.
