Heat Wave Sends Temperatures Soaring Along Coastal California and Southwest

A fall heat wave is building across parts of the West with temperatures forecast to hit season-high rereads for some areas of the California coastline. Here is a look at how warm it is expected to get as well as who might miss out on this action.

Heat Wave Setting in Across Parts of the Western U.S.

The California coast is going to sizzle early this week with the interior desert portions of the region next in line to see the climbing temperatures. The change in the weather pattern will make for some great early October beach weather but will also raise the threat of wildfires.

The heat will come at the hands of a building area of high pressure across the western U.S. this week. Even the typically temperate coastal areas will experience this heat wave. The cool breezes generated from the Pacific Ocean generally keep temperatures in these communities along the coast in check. However, a flow of air turning offshore will negate the usual cooling impact of the ocean for much of the week, resulting in much higher temperatures.

For instance, after seeing highs top out in the 60s this weekend, San Francisco is forecast to see readings in the upper 70s on Monday. Tuesday will see a sizzling high of 91 degrees on Tuesday before slipping slightly into the mid to upper 80s on Wednesday. Mostly sunny skies during this time will amplify the air temperatures. San Francisco's record high temperature for October 1 is 97 degrees, dating back to 1980. This fall heat wave will also be responsible for the highest readings over the last year. The previous high this year maxed out at 88 degrees back on July 2.

It will also be toasty to the south in Los Angeles. The forecast is calling for a high in the upper 80s on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday's forecast is predicting a top reading of 94 degrees. After a small dip on Thursday, the mercury will once again be in the mid 90s for highs over the week. These temperatures translate to about 5 to 10 degrees over the historical average for the beginning of October. While it will be dry in this part of the Golden State, some clouds may mix in with the sunshine at times.

Scorcher in the Southwest

As expected, the Desert Southwest will also see the temperatures inch upward due to the building high pressure. Las Vegas and Phoenix will both see the chance of record-breaking or record-tying temperature readings through the start of the weekend.

Las Vegas is currently under an excessive heat warning. Temperatures will settle around 105 degrees for the next few days for highs. Skies will be sunny and winds will be light, providing little relief from the heat in Sin City. Overnight lows will bottom out in the mid 70s this week.

It will be even hotter in Phoenix. The Valley of the Sun is expecting highs at or near the 110-degree mark through the week and into the weekend. Overnight lows will land in the low 80s this week.

Residents and visitors to the Southwest should be aware of the climbing temperatures and adjust their plans accordingly. This means increasing the intake of water, wearing plenty of sunscreen, and avoiding being outside during the peak heating hours.

Northwest Will Miss Out on the Heat

Not all of the western U.S. will be under this heat wave. The Pacific Northwest will continue to see temperatures bounce around near the normal range. For instance, Seattle is forecast to top out in the mid 60s for highs throughout the week. It will be mostly dry for the Emerald City over the next few days with the next chance of rain coming on Friday. Overnight lows will drop into the upper 40s and low 50s this week in the Seattle area.

Portland will see its warmest day on Tuesday with a forecast high of about 79 degrees. Temperatures will cool slightly for the balance of the week with readings falling between the upper 60s and mid 70s. You will find a mix of sun and clouds in this part of Oregon with mostly dry conditions.

Temperatures will increase slightly heading into the weekend for both Seattle and Portland. It is shaping up to be a great weekend for outdoor activities in this part of the Pacific Northwest.

Increased Threat of Wildfires

The onset of the heat wave will pair with low humidity levels to raise the threat of wildfires in the West. A lack of moisture over the last several weeks has resulted in dry vegetation that has laid the groundwork for a higher threat of fires. Local officials are urging residents to be cautious with the use of open flames.

The highest risk of fires will be throughout Southern California in the higher terrains. This risk will be elevated by stiff offshore breezes.

The good news is that the large Line, Airport, and Bridge wildfires are all nearly contained. These three fires have been combined to burn over 100,000 acres in California.

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