California Prepares for First Heat Wave of the Year with Potential Record-Breaking Temperatures
Posted on05/28/25 at 13:32
- California Heat Wave Incoming
- Historic Records May Be Broken
- Southern California Faces Drought
California is bracing for its first widespread heat wave of the season, with temperatures potentially exceeding 100°F (38°C) this weekend.
According to meteorological forecasts, the peak of the extreme heat will arrive on Friday, May 30, affecting multiple regions across the state.
“This is truly the first widespread heat wave of the season,” explained Heather Zehr, senior meteorologist at AccuWeather.
Zehr noted that while isolated hot days have occurred already, this will be the first time such a large area is impacted simultaneously.
Potential for Extreme Temperatures in California
Numerous parts of the state—especially valleys and deserts—are already under extreme heat watches, Zehr warned.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that cities such as Redding, Sacramento, and Bakersfield may reach or exceed 104°F (40°C).
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Redding, for instance, could match its all-time May record of 42°C, last seen in 2021.
Sacramento, the state capital, is also expected to near the 40°C mark, while Bakersfield may hit 41°C on Saturday, May 31.
Areas at Highest Risk
Other cities in California likely to see extreme temperatures include Paso Robles, Ojai, Palmdale, and Lancaster.
“There’s a 30% to 40% chance that Friday’s highs will approach or exceed historical daytime records,” the NWS cautioned.
Even the eastern San Francisco Bay Area could see triple-digit temperatures for the first time this year.
“We expect significant warming in those areas, especially on Friday and Saturday,” added Ryan Kittell, an NWS meteorologist in Los Angeles.
Outlook Signals Hotter-Than-Average Summer
The Climate Prediction Center anticipates that much of California will see above-average temperatures on Friday.
However, a cool-down is expected the following weekend, which may offer temporary relief from the extreme conditions.
This early heat wave comes just days after Memorial Day and marks the beginning of a summer forecasted to be hotter than usual in the state of California.
According to a seasonal forecast released May 15, June through August are likely to be warmer than the 30-year average.
Drought Intensifies in Southern California
“‘Normal’ temperatures are based on averages from 1991 to 2020,” the NWS clarified.
Both NOAA and the Old Farmer’s Almanac agree that the continental U.S. will face a drier and hotter summer than usual.
These forecasts raise alarm about ongoing drought conditions, especially in Southern California.
A recent report from the National Integrated Drought Information System revealed that 22.7 million Californians live in drought-affected areas.
Nearly 40% of the state is experiencing some level of drought, from abnormally dry to exceptional drought.
“The drought is concentrated mainly in Southern California,” Kittell noted, emphasizing the region’s lack of summer rainfall.
Official data shows: 18.3% of the state is abnormally dry; 15.1% in moderate drought; 17.6% in severe drought; 7% in extreme drought; and 0.1% in exceptional drought (the most critical level).
Meteorologists are advising residents to stay hydrated, limit sun exposure, and look after vulnerable populations. With summer not officially beginning until June 20, the warning is clear: the heat is here to stay, reported USA Today.