Heat and fire danger loom for California ahead of July 4th weekend

Much of California is facing a dangerous heat wave and high fire risk at a time when millions will be outside celebrating the Fourth of July.

Much of California faces a one-two weather punch this week as a dangerous heat wave and high fire risk loom at a time when millions will be outside celebrating Independence Day. 

Temperatures in the Sacramento Valley could reach 115 degrees, according to Kate Forrest, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in California’s capital city. A heat warning in the area will begin Tuesday and is expected to last until at least Saturday. 

“We are expecting elevated heat and extreme heat risk throughout most of interior California,” Forrest said. “This heat is going to be a prolonged event.” 

Forecasters expect the heat wave to start Tuesday in inland California and then broaden into the Pacific Northwest and deeper into Southern California later in the week. Excessive heat watches, warnings and advisories will blanket the West on Tuesday from southern Oregon to the low desert in southeast California, according to the National Weather Service. 

The elevated temperatures are the result of a strong high pressure system that will linger over the region.

https://www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/heat-fire-danger-california-july-4th-rcna159837

---