Temperatures will not only rival records over the interior West through this weekend, but the heat will pose dangers for those outdoors for long periods and those taking to the roads for holiday travel. Temperatures in Central Oregon are expected in the triple-digits this weekend through Wednesday, July 10th.
While the summertime is quite hot across the interior of the western United States in the valleys, basins and deserts, the heat will soon go above and beyond what is typical. AccuWeather meteorologists continue to warn of dangerous heat that will build through at least the first weekend of July over the interior Southwest and into mid-July over the interior West.
“Extreme temperatures will crescendo into the weekend as a northward bulge in the jet stream strengthens over the region,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Heather Zehr said. “At its peak, afternoon high temperatures will be around 20 degrees above average in the worst-hit areas.”
This level of heat will not only challenge daily high-temperature records but will also make a run at some all-time record highs for the month of July and for any time of the year.
“The worst heat will be over the Central Valley of California, as well as the deserts of southeastern California, southwestern Arizona and southern Nevada,” Zehr explained, “These places will see highs of 110 or more; the highest temperatures in Death Valley will be near 130 degrees.”
The all-time record high for Sacramento, California, is 113 F, set on July 14, 1972. High temperatures are projected to peak within a few degrees of 110 degrees multiple times into this weekend Local conditions on any of those days could allow the all-time record to be matched.
About 155 miles farther to the south, Fresno, California, is in a similar situation where not only will daily record highs be challenged but the all-time record high of 115 degrees set on July 8, 1905, could be rivaled.
Meanwhile, in the gambling capital of the United States, highs within a few degrees of 115 F are forecast this week. However, temperatures may hit the 120-degree mark next week on multiple days, beginning with Sunday. The all-time record high in Las Vegas is 117, reached several times through the summer over the decades.
The warmth will spill into the San Francisco Bay region, but not to the extreme of the interior. Still, highs in the 80s are in store during the pattern into Friday before more of a breeze kicks in from the water this weekend.
Dry brush and excessive heat will combine to increase the risk of wildfires. Extreme caution is recommended when using barbeque grills, power equipment, and open flames. Sparks (including from fireworks) or contact with extremely hot objects (including vehicle exhaust systems) can ignite a blaze. In some locations, bans may be in place for the use of fireworks and open flames.
“There may be some relief for the Pacific Coast states next week, as the heat dome is expected to shift into the interior West,” Buckingham said.
Summertime vehicle safety tips
Those who will be traveling by vehicle in the heat wave should make sure their tires are properly inflated for the trip. The best time to check tire pressure is first thing in the morning when the tires are cool. The proper inflation can often be found inside the driver’s side door on the vehicle frame.
Under- or overinflated tires can overheat. Driving at a high rate of speed or excessive cornering on windy roads can increase the chance of sudden tire failure, as the increased friction on the tire surface can cause the tire temperature and pressure to exceed the manufacturer’s safety limits.
