We Haven't Seen This Heat Since 1933; 109-115°!

CATEGORY 5 HEAT WAVE
The high temperature at Meadows Field reached 109 Tuesday. That was the 6th day out of 7 in which the high was at least 109. Together with accumulating more than 100 heat stress units (HSUs), we are now officially at a Category 5 heat event. This is the first time since July 1933 that such a significant heat event has occurred. It further explains why what we are all living through in this moment of time is a modern singularity. Almost no one alive in Kern County can recall this level of extreme heat. And for the record, we've accumulated 338 HSUs so far, well above the threshold.
ONE MORE HEAT BUMP
Upper level high pressure is expected to once again expand over California today through Friday. Thursday should be the hottest day with a record shattering high temperature of 113. Overnight lows will again be in the 80s. So far Bakersfield has seen 5 days with 80-degree lows. Likely 3 more days will be added to that total. Every day the heat does more damage- to nearly everything it touches. Heat Wave #3 is like compound interest with it's effect enlarging over time. Fortunately, it appears there will be some improvement in our situation after this coming weekend. The ridge of high pressure will begin to weaken somewhat and temperatures should start to moderate.
RETURN TO NORMAL HOT WEATHER
By Monday highs in the South Valley will be back to only a bit above normal (which is now 99). A weak wave in the atmosphere will bring some clouds to our skyline Friday and Saturday, with a remote chance for a thunderstorm over the mountains (10%). Next week, daytime temperatures will hover in the 100-104 range with overnight lows in the low 70s. Outlying areas should see lows generally in the 60s. So, there will be relief at night. Action Days, in which I recommend people change their routine due to the heat, will end on Sunday. For mountain towns they will end on Saturday, with daytime highs down to the upper 80s and low 90s. Very pleasant morning lows will be enjoyed in the upper 50s.
WHEN WILL IT END?
Looking ahead, models are suggesting that the heat wave itself may last longer than first estimated. Rather than Friday July 19th, it now seem more reasonable to extend that end date to Wednesday July 24th. But that should only be the technical end of Heat Wave #3. It seems another heat wave (not nearly as intense) may be brewing for the very end of July into August.

[@brocprice1]

Such a great time to be a meteorologist- the good news when it drops back down to the low 100s it will be rather manageable-

[@aaronsweather]

this is true. I finally have something to talk about!