Reporting by Ernesto Centeno Araujo, USA Today Network/Palm Springs Desert Sun
Fall recently started, but the changing of the season has not given California much relief from the heat. Recent forecasts for a coming heat wave also show it will only get worse.
August of this year was the warmest on record in some California counties, including Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside, and San Diego, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information.
A heat wave is expected to hit the western and central United States, bringing above-normal temperatures to much of Southern and Central California, according to the National Weather Service.
Starting late Oct. 1, some California counties will be under extreme heat and heat advisories, with temperatures hitting the 90s and 100s. The National Weather Service says high temperatures may last at least until Oct. 8 in some regions.
How hot will it be in California?
Many Southern California counties will be under an extreme heat warning starting this weekend, and the region will likely see temperatures in the upper 90s and 100s. Counties under the warning include Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside.
The extreme heat warning is in effect starting from 10 a.m. Oct. 2 to 8 p.m. Oct. 8.
Central California will likely see temperatures in the mid-to-high 90s. Redding is forecast to see mid-90s temperatures starting Oct. 1. The region is already seeing temperatures in the lower 90s.
Starting Oct. 3, temperatures are likely to increase, with cities such as Sacramento, Stockton and Modesto seeing temperatures in the high 90s until at least Oct. 7.
The San Francisco Bay Area will be under a heat advisory starting 11 a.m. Oct. 3 until 10 p.m. Oct. 4. Temperatures are forecast to reach the mid-90s to 103 degrees.
How to stay safe during the heat wave
The National Weather Service has provided tips to prepare for the heat, stay cool, and help out when heatstroke occurs.
How to prepare for a heat wave:
- Gather food, water, and medication, and keep them ready and in a safe place.
- Make a list of friends, family, or vulnerable neighbors to check on.
- Learn about local cooling shelters or other cool places to go.
- Postpone any previously planned outdoor events.
What to do in a heat wave:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid the sun and outdoor areas and seek shelter in an air-conditioned environment.
- If outdoors, take breaks and use the buddy system.
- Check on pets and keep them indoors or in cool and shaded areas.
Someone suffering from heatstroke may seem confused, feel dizzy, and may lose consciousness. When treating someone for heatstroke, call 911, move the victim to a cooler area, remove extra layers, loosen clothing, and cool them with water or an ice pack, the weather service said.
Ernesto Centeno Araujo covers breaking news for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at ecentenoaraujo@vcstar.com, 805-437-0224 or @ecentenoaraujo on Instagram and X.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun.
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