Potential Record-Breaking Temperatures in California Elevating Wildfire Risk

Temperatures are building across the western U.S., setting up the first official heat wave of the season. The incoming heat will also raise the risk of wildfire danger across the region. Read on for the details of how hot you should expect it to get.

First Heat Wave of the Season Bearing Down on the Western U.S.

The first widespread heat wave for the West is now underway and is expected to linger through the end of the week. The heat and associated dry conditions will inevitably raise the risk of wildfire danger in this part of the country.

The unseasonably warm weather is the result of a northward bulge in the jet stream pairing with an area of high pressure circulating throughout most levels of the atmosphere. A storm that is remaining offshore of the California coastline will keep the heat anchored over the region and the showers and thunderstorms well out to sea.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a heat wave is defined as a period of unseasonably hot temperatures lasting over two days. The first heat wave of the year can be particularly dangerous as it often catches people off guard. It is important to take the time to get acclimated to the heat before spending prolonged periods of time outside.