Dry lightning threatens to start new fires as extreme heat returns

Hope you've enjoyed the lovely weather, because it's time to say goodbye. Extreme heat is returning and bringing thunderstorms along with it, which could result in a whole bunch of fire starts throughout our mountains and deserts.

Temperatures will steadily increase over the next couple of days before peaking on Friday and Saturday. Those in the deserts and mountains will get hit the hardest, as highs climb to 110 degrees, while the coastal valley areas see temperatures max out around 105. If you live along the coast, just know that the rest of us are jealous of you, because the marine layer is going to keep you in the downright chilly 70s.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch, which will be in place Friday through Wednesday.

The high pressure system is pulling monsoonal moisture up from the south and south east, which is why you might see quite a few clouds in the sky. Thursday and Saturday will be of the days of biggest concern, as thunderstorms are expected and any rain that falls, especially in the lower mountains, is likely to evaporate, setting the stage for dry lightning.

July and August is our typical window for monsoon activity. It's also when we've seen especially large wildfires start in our forests following barrages of lightning strikes.

The recent heat wave cured many fuels to record lows, though the moisture's boosted them back up a bit. Still, if dry lightning strikes throughout the San Bernardinos, San Gabriels and Southern Sierras in the coming days, we could see wildfires run, as erratic winds are expected.

Keep an eye out in Santa Barbara County and along the I-5 corridor, as 40 mph wind gusts could blow through. Both locations have seen substantial fires in recent weeks.

July 2024 could very well be the hottest July on record, especially for California's deserts.