Heatwave Continues and Records Set

A week ago, it was July 4^(th.) The holiday was celebrated throughout
the nation despite a heatwave from coast to coast.

And on the Hill, the celebration set a record – a temperature record. On
July 4, the high temperature in Idyllwild was 98 degrees, exceeding the
previous high of 97 set in 2007. On Monday, July 8, another record was
set. It was 101 degrees in Idyllwild, 4 degrees higher than the previous
record for this date, set in 2002.

And that was only the beginning. The next day, July 5, established
another high temperature record, not only for that date, but tied the
all-time high of 104 degrees. This temperature was felt on Sept. 6, 2020
and ten months later on June 16, 2021.

And the nighttime temperature of 63 degrees broke the record for the
highest minimum temperature on July 5, too. Sixty-two degrees was the
record set 20 years ago in 2004.

These high and record setting temperatures were not a surprise, the
National Weather Service and other meteorologists began warnings as
early as July 1. And it continued through the weekend, temperatures in
the middle 90s, with little relief expected next week.

On July 5, the NWS advised listeners that the mountains, including
Idyllwild, were not salvation from this heat. “Don’t think you’ll be
able to escape the heat by heading to the mountains this weekend…temps
will still be well above normal up there! If you’ll be outside this
weekend, try to limit any strenuous activity to the cooler parts of the
day: the morning & late evening.

Alex Tardy, Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the San Diego Office
of the National Weather Service, said on his July 2 YouTube broadcast,
“An excessive heatwave warning is through the weekend and should end 6
p.m. July 8. . . And not much relief next week.”

A huge high-pressure system has formed over the eastern Pacific Ocean
and is slowly moving east. The excessive temperatures are being fueled
by this ridge that is parked over much of the West. It prevents the hot
air near the ground from rising up into the higher and cooler
atmosphere.

As Tardy noted, “This is usually [the path of] a storm track. Big
heatwaves are usually from the desert or east.”

He stressed that the mountains were as vulnerable as the lower
elevations to these high temperatures. He even predicted 104 degrees on
July 5.

Independently, on July 1, Daniel Swain, meteorologist, and climate
scientist at the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability at the
University of California, Los Angeles, alerted that there is “. . .
going to be a long heatwave . . . exceptional heat and at least daily
record highs. . . it will go on and on and on.” He thought it might
continue for seven to ten days from the Southern California deserts to
Mt. Shasta in the north.

On Sunday, he noted that the peak of the heatwave has been more intense
than the early predictions. While the highs may relent, the overall
heatwave will continue into this week. He also warned of the record
overnight heat and its danger to health.

And as the heat dries fuels, the threat of wildfire increases.

“Fire danger for Idyllwild (and the entire State) remains high, the
Cranston Fire scar is now 6 years old and fuels have grown back quite
robustly,” said Idyllwild Fire Chief Mark LaMont. “We have worked hard
with the US Forest Service to install and improve some much-needed fuel
breaks (Strawberry, Westridge, Southridge, Thomas Mtn. and now the new
fuel break at Bear Trap).”

Nevertheless, he encouraged all residents to take the time to abate
their properties and to be fire safe.”

Then he stressed, “No outdoor fires, Idyllwild Fire has placed an
outdoor fire ban beginning June 15. No charcoal or wood burning BBQs,
only LP BBQs are allowed. No campfires.”

Earlier this week, Governor Gavin Newsom directed the Office of
Emergency Services to activate its State Operations Center and move into
Phase II of its Extreme Temperature Response Plan. This action ensures a
24/7, coordinated, whole-of-government response to the heatwave.  

Excessive heat warnings and watches are in effect for much of California
through the weekend and into next week.

The Emergency Management Department has established 70 cooling centers
throughout the County. The Idyllwild Library, at 54401 Village Center
Dr., is one of the cooling centers. It is available on Tuesday and
Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and from Thursday through Saturday
from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Off the Hill there are cooling centers at the Cathedral City and Valle
Vista libraries and others in Hemet and Palm Springs.

For more information go to ready.ca.gov to find resources and tips to
stay safe from extreme heat, and other natural disasters.

Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, even when not
thirsty; drink sports drinks (in moderation with water) to help replace
electrolytes lost during exercise. Avoid sugary, alcoholic, and very
cold drinks and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.