Temperatures climb to 51.1 degrees in Palm Springs
It's heating up in many corners of California. Drought and winds make it easy for flames, scorching heat making firefighting a nightmare. In Palm Springs, it's as hot as it's ever been.
Under scorching heat, several new forest and brush fires have broken out in southern California. One of the largest has been burning since Friday in the Los Padres National Forest, a forest area north of Santa Barbara, according to the "Los Angeles Times." The fire is spreading rapidly. At the same time, drought and strong winds are fueling several other fires. Meteorologists also report a new heat record for the southern part of the US state.
According to the weather service, temperatures in Palm Springs, which lies between the southern California cities of San Diego and Los Angeles, reached 124 degrees Fahrenheit (51.11 degrees Celsius) at one point. This surpassed the previous record of 123 degrees from the years 2021, 1995, and 1993. Nights are currently seeing temperatures of 30 degrees and above.
Wildfires are not uncommon in California. However, large heat with hot and dry winds can contribute to stronger and larger fires. If the ground is extremely dry after a long drought and vegetation is significantly weakened, a lack of evaporation cooling can make fires burn more intensely.
A Fire Contained
Despite the high temperatures, firefighters were able to partially contain a forest fire that broke out on Thursday and threatened the central California city of Mariposa near Yosemite National Park. Temperatures there currently reach up to 44 degrees. At one point, 300 residents had to evacuate their homes. The highway 140 leading into the National Park was reopened on Friday evening. Four buildings were destroyed by the fire, three people were injured.
California Governor Gavin Newsom pledged state assistance to those affected by the fires. The Cal Fire fire department, meanwhile, warns of increased fire danger not only in southern California, but also in wide areas of the central coast and in the northern part of the state.
Experts describe the current heat as unusual. "Normally, we get temperatures like this earlier in August," the "Los Angeles Times" quoted meteorologist Ryan Kittell as saying. "But even if this were August, it would still be at the upper end of temperature ranges." Anyone seeking refuge from the heat at the beach must be prepared for high waves and rip currents, the report said.
- The current heatwave in California, coupled with dry conditions and strong winds, has made meteorologists predict an increased risk of forest fires across the state, not just in southern areas.
- International news outlets have been reporting on the ongoing heatwave in California, with the Los Padres National Forest fire being one of the most prominent examples of the destructive power of these conditions.
- As the state grapples with the ongoing heatwave, California Governor Gavin Newsom has promised state assistance to those affected by the forest fires, emphasizing the need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of these unusual weather conditions.
