A historic, lethal, and exceptionally dangerous heat wave is currently affecting California, with temperatures soaring above 100 degrees in most areas. The prolonged heat event is expected to last until at least July 8 or even later in some regions. Inland areas are particularly hard-hit, including deserts and valleys where temperatures may reach dangerously high levels.
The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings and advisories for numerous areas across California, including Northern California, the Central Valley, San Fernando Valley, Santa Barbara County, Bakersfield, and Los Angeles County. The extreme heat is raising both health and wildfire risks in the state.
Numerous records are being broken as a result of this heat wave. For instance, Death Valley could approach 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54.4 degrees Celsius), which is the highest temperature reliably measured on Earth. Such extreme temperatures can lead to numerous heat-related fatalities and rolling blackouts due to the strain on power grids.
The prolonged heat wave is also causing wildfires in some areas, such as near Oroville in Northern California where at least three homes have been destroyed and about 13,000 people have been forced to evacuate. The fire has grown to at least 3000 acres.
Authorities are urging residents to take precautions against the heat, such as staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, and checking on elderly neighbors and children. They also advise keeping pets indoors during extreme heat conditions.
The California ISO energy forecast indicates that high temperatures could put substantial pressure on the power grid, leading to rolling blackouts or Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) in some areas. Residents are advised to prepare for potential power outages by having backup batteries and alternative sources of electricity available.
