A heat wave is sweeping across Southern California, driving record high temperatures and raising the risk of wildfires, and forecasters say thunderstorms are expected in two parts of the region this weekend.
Thunderstorms are expected in Santa Barbara County and near Palmdale in Los Angeles County following record-breaking high temperatures in recent days. Lancaster recorded a July high of 115 degrees on July 7, and Palmdale recorded a record-breaking high of 115 degrees on July 6. At 2:16 p.m. Saturday, the National Weather Service said it was monitoring the area for thunderstorms over the next few hours.
DEATH VALLEY, CALIFORNIA – JULY 8, 2024: A “Stop Heat Danger” sign is posted in Death Valley National Park, California, during a prolonged heat wave that is hitting much of California. Getty Images
“More powerful storms developing there could produce wind gusts of up to 55 mph and frequent lightning,” the agency said in a post on X. “Dry conditions inland are increasing the risk of fire outbreaks.”
Numerous wildfires are currently burning in inland Southern California, including the Pauba Fire in Riverside County and the Vista Fire near Mount Baldy, which have led to evacuation warnings and mandatory orders this month.
The weather service issued a red flag warning until 9 p.m. Saturday, warning of the possibility of dangerous dry lightning and high winds. Once a wildfire breaks out, it can spread quickly. Most of the mountains and foothills in the Antelope Valley are under the red flag warning.
Forecasters said such weather conditions could lead to the fire spreading rapidly, resulting in danger to life and property.
“The prolonged heat wave will continue to create dangerous fire conditions this weekend,” the National Weather Service said in a post on X. “New fires will grow rapidly!”
Other parts of Southern California also recorded record temperatures this month, including Palm Springs, which recorded its hottest temperature on record in July at 124 degrees, beating the previous record of 123 degrees set in 2021.
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Marissa Wentzke
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