“California Braces for Dangerous Heat Wave and Potential Power Shutoffs Amid Elevated Fire Risk”
An extended and potentially dangerous heat wave has hit Northern California, coinciding with elevated fire conditions and prompting Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (PG&E) to initiate the first planned power shutoffs of the year. The power shutoffs, which began Tuesday morning, are expected to last at least through Wednesday and have affected approximately 2,000 customers across eight counties – Butte, Colusa, Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, Tehama, and Yolo.
PG&E implemented the public safety power shutoffs due to high winds and dry conditions, aiming to prevent their equipment from sparking fires during these dangerous conditions. The utility has also delayed the start of planned shutoffs for around 10,000 additional customers in Glenn and Shasta counties due to favorable weather conditions.
The Sacramento Valley and Bay Area mountains are under a red flag warning, indicating elevated fire risk, as well as an excessive heat warning. The red flag alert, issued through Wednesday evening, warns of a combination of high winds, low humidity, and hot temperatures that can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
California firefighters are currently battling several blazes across the state, including the Basin fire in the Sierra National Forest in Fresno County, which has burned over 13,000 acres and prompted evacuations in the Balch Camp community. PG&E’s power infrastructure in the area has not been affected as of Tuesday morning.
The Fresno Lightning Complex blaze, which has remained at about 10,600 acres and was 86% contained as of Tuesday morning, is also being actively fought by firefighters.
The extreme heat and dry conditions have increased the risk of wildfires, prompting warnings from Cal Fire to avoid activities that could spark fires. The heatwave is expected to last for several days, with temperatures reaching triple digits and little overnight relief in some areas.
Record-breaking temperatures are forecasted, with Redding potentially tying or breaking its record for consecutive days over 110 degrees. The excessive heat warning will be in effect from Tuesday through the weekend in most areas, with separate heat advisories for specific regions.
High temperatures are expected across the state, with some areas forecasted to reach up to 121 degrees in the Coachella Valley and San Diego County deserts. Death Valley could see highs of 127 degrees, with low temperatures not falling below 90 degrees for several days.
In the farthest northwestern corner of the state, officials are warning of possible record-breaking temperatures above 110 degrees in Humboldt County and up to 115 degrees in Trinity and Lake counties.
The heatwave is expected to be statewide and long-lasting, with temperatures continuously above average for the next few weeks. UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain noted the potential for temperatures to remain high into mid-July.
As the heatwave continues, officials urge residents to take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses and stay informed about the evolving weather conditions.