Excessive heat quickly returns after a brief break

FRESNO, Calif. ( KGPE ) – The Central Valley has been feeling triple-digit heat for the vast majority of the month of July. It wasn’t until this week that temperatures finally dropped to below 100 degrees. The break from the triple-digit heat, however, was brief.

Here are the high temperatures for July so far, with red indicating above-average days.

Merced had three days in the 90s this week, while Madera had two days. Fresno and Hanford only had one day below 100 degrees. On Thursday, the triple digits returned. Here are Thursday’s high temperatures.

We ended a long stretch of triple-digit heat on Tuesday, with 16 days in a row at or above 100 degrees. A new stretch started today, and it will keep going at least through next week.

With next week’s heat, high temperatures will be above 105 degrees, with Tuesday heating up to be closer to 110 degrees. On top of the hot afternoon highs, the overnight low temperatures won’t be cooling down enough to provide much relief. An excessive heat watch will start on Monday morning, and it will last at least until Thursday morning.

This excessive heat watch includes the Central Valley, and parts of the Sierra up to 4000 feet in elevation. This will impact not only Central Valley residents, but also visitors to Yosemite Valley, Kings Canyon, and the foothills of Sequoia National Park.

Here are some tips to stay safe during this next heat wave.

If you must be out in the heat, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses. If heat stroke is suspected, it’s an emergency and 911 should be called.

Please use the cooling centers and other air-conditioned public spaces to keep you and your family safe.

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