California is experiencing extreme heat that is expected to impact Fourth of July festivities. The Central Valley, particularly Fresno, is under an oppressive heat wave with temperatures forecasted to reach 115 degrees on Saturday. This temperature would tie a record for that day if it is reached. Additionally, Eastern California’s Death Valley is expected to break a world record with temperatures potentially reaching 130 degrees next week, setting a new record for the hottest temperature ever “reliably measured on earth”.
Chris Outler, a forecaster with the National Weather Service, stated that there is a 20% chance Death Valley will hit 130 degrees on Monday and Tuesday. The weather service predicts that the temperature in Death Valley could reach 122 degrees on Wednesday and climb steadily over the next week, with forecasts indicating temperatures as high as 130 degrees on Monday and Tuesday.
In Coachella Valley, residents may experience 11 consecutive days of temperatures at 115 degrees or higher, breaking the former record of nine days set in 2021. The all-time record high for Palm Springs is 123 degrees, with a 14% chance of matching that record on Friday and a 20% chance of breaking the record on Saturday.
Overall, California is facing record-breaking heat with various regions experiencing extreme temperatures, prompting caution and safety measures for those planning to celebrate the Fourth of July outdoors.