The heat wave that began Tuesday morning is expected to continue in the Central San Joaquin Valley for at least the next week, according to the National Weather Service.
The dangerous, prolonged heat wave is expected to send temperatures soaring to at least 230 degrees on Saturday. The weather service said overnight low temperatures will remain above 70 degrees, further increasing the danger.
A series of days in a row?
There’s a chance Fresno could set a new record for consecutive days with a high temperature of at least 105, the weather service said. Hanford meteorologist Antoinette Serrato, who noted that the longest streak on record was set in 1988 with 14 days.
According to a 1988 Fresno Bee article, other long-term steaks included 20 days at 100 degrees Fahrenheit, in both 1983 and 1984.
Fresno’s Hottest Day
The hottest day ever in Fresno? According to Serrato, it was July 8, 1905, when the thermometer read 115 degrees.
The ongoing heat wave prompted a warning from the California Department of Public Health that the warm weather could pose multiple health risks.
Care for pets
Pets that are not properly cared for are also at risk from the unusually warm weather, the weather service said.
Heat-related illnesses can be fatal for anyone, even our pets and companion animals. You can help your furry friends by keeping them in cool places and hydrating them with water. NEVER leave your animals in unattended parked cars. https://t.co/m3n0l3v22a photo.twitter.com/JrxS0qm2Td
— California Department of Health (@CAPublicHealth) July 2, 2024
The California Highway Patrol is expected to enforce the rules at the highest level this week as motorists from the Fresno area head toward the coast and the High Sierra.
*Extreme heat wave in California this week*
-Stay hydrated
– Bring enough water
-Keep your vehicle cool
-Inform others about your plans
– Check on your neighbors and those who need help
– If you see signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, call 911Stay safe this week, California! photo.twitter.com/nChyarTXKO
— CHP Headquarters (@CHP_HQ) July 2, 2024