Cooling Trend Expected in Central California; Relief after Onslaught of Scorching Hot Weather

Despite the moderating temperatures, the risk of grass fires remains elevated due to breezy afternoon winds, particularly in the Kern CountyPhoto byEvan WiseonUnsplash

Central California is set to experience a gradual cooling trend throughout the weekend, bringing temperatures closer to seasonal norms by Monday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Hanford. This comes as a welcome relief following a period of hotter-than-normal weather. By early next week, temperatures are expected to dip slightly below normal, with highs in the mid to high 90s across much of the San Joaquin Valley.

As the ridge responsible for the recent heat shifts eastward, an incoming trough will bring cooler temperatures and lower probabilities of triple-digit heat, especially in the valley areas. This cooling pattern is expected to persist well into next week.

Despite the moderating temperatures, the risk of grass fires remains elevated due to breezy afternoon winds, particularly in the Kern County Desert, Mountain areas, and the West Side Hills. Wind gusts could reach 20-25 mph in these wind-prone regions, with slightly lower gusts of 10-15 mph expected in the San Joaquin Valley. The highest winds are anticipated on Saturday night and Sunday, contributing to the ongoing fire risk. While fire weather warnings are not currently in effect, residents are advised to remain cautious.