LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Forecasters are warning that severe summer heat is in the forecast next week.
AccuWeather said the surge of intense summer heat will impact seven western states — California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Oregon and Idaho — and bring the potential for record-breaking temperatures.
The high temperatures will be the result of a heat dome, forecasters reported.
The most extreme temperatures will be in the Central Valley and parts of the Bay Area, according to both AccuWeather and the National Weather Service.
Those areas will be under an excessive heat warning issued by the National Weather Service from July 2 to 6.
Lake County is so far not expected to be under a heat warning at that time, although temperatures will be nearing the century mark in the coming week.
However, the extended forecast is suggesting that extremely high temperatures could arrive in Lake County by next Saturday.
With intense heat expected to arrive at the same time as Independence Day festivities, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson encourages people to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and to take breaks in shaded areas or air-conditioned buildings to lower the risk of heat-related illnesses.
“Extreme caution should be taken to protect yourself from the heat and blazing sun next week if you have to be outside for an extended period of time, especially during the afternoon and early evening hours,” said Anderson.
At the same time, AccuWeather expert meteorologists encourage people to use caution with fireworks in areas with drought conditions and dried-out vegetation, in addition to following routine safety guidelines during Independence Day week and the weekend.
“All you need is a trigger mechanism to spark a fire, whether it’s man-made or the wind,” said AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Forecaster Paul Pastelok. “We are not expecting a ferocious wildfire season, but we do feel there’s going to be more action in comparison to last year. We are expecting more fires and more acreage burned in California, Oregon and parts of Nevada.”
More than 2.3 million acres of land have burned across the United States so far this year, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.
Wildfire activity has been trending higher this year compared to last year; less than one million acres of land had burned in the U.S. at this point last year, AccuWeather reported.
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Intense summer heat expected Independence Day week
- Elizabeth Larson
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