Merced and the Valley expected to see ‘pressure cooker’ heatwave this week
While hot summers are nothing new for the Merced area, meteorologists say this week will be what many would consider a scorcher.
The heat wave with above-normal temperatures, expected to hit Merced and the rest of the Valley, has prompted the National Weather Service to issue an excessive heat watch for Tuesday through Friday.
Merced is expected to reach a high of 101 Monday, rising to a high of 105 on Tuesday and Wednesday. The temperature is expected to reach a high of 102 on Thursday and Friday.
Some areas of the central San Joaquin Valley could hit 107 or 108, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Andy Bollenbacher.
“By Wednesday and Thursday, you’re looking at afternoon highs about 10 degrees above normal,” he said.
An Excessive Heat Watch is in effect for the San Joaquin Valley, lower Sierra foothills, Kern River Valley, and Coastal Range from late Tuesday morning through Friday evening. An Excessive Heat Watch means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot weather is expected. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/wGbLYR4HR8
— NWS Hanford (@NWSHanford) August 14, 2022
A strong ridge of high pressure is building over the area, he said, meaning stagnant air will heat up until weather comes along to blow it away.
“That makes the atmosphere like a pressure cooker over California,” he said.
Widespread triple digit heat is expected in the San Joaquin Valley each afternoon Tuesday through Friday. An Excessive Heat Watch is in effect. Here are high temperature probabilities for select locations in the San Joaquin Valley Tuesday through Friday. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/r2HEmGMkre
— NWS Hanford (@NWSHanford) August 14, 2022
Nighttime lows in the mid- to high 70s, especially in urban areas, will compound the misery. Such warm overnight temperatures also can put people susceptible to heat illnesses at higher risk, according to the heat watch.
The Weather Service recommends people drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms when possible, and stay out of the sun. It also advises people to check up on relatives and neighbors.
And never leave pets or children unattended vehicles, when interiors can reach lethal temperatures within minutes.
The hot weather is expected to dip in the Merced area over the weekend, with a high temperature of 101 expected for Saturday and 96 on Sunday.
The Fresno Bee contributed to this report.
