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1h ago

California Heat Wave Peaks With Widespread Warnings as Fire and Lightning Risks Rise

Forecasters warn that warm nights will prolong heat stress until a slow cooldown early next week.

Valley highs are forecast to tie or break records today as afternoon temperatures climb into triple digit territory.
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Ezra Martinez plays at the splash pad at Lemon Park in Fullerton, CA on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. Temperatures were expected to be in the low-to-mid-90s through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Overview

  • The National Weather Service has extreme heat warnings and advisories across much of California, with interior regions facing the most dangerous conditions and beach areas seeing the least risk.
  • Interior highs are reaching the triple digits with some locations near or above 110 degrees, including 111–115 in the lower deserts, and daily records are possible from Los Angeles to the Central Valley and Sacramento.
  • The event is peaking Thursday and Friday, and the Bay Area’s inland heat advisory has been extended through Saturday as some temperatures run hotter than earlier forecasts.
  • Red flag warnings are active through Saturday for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura County foothills and mountains, and the state has pre-deployed firefighting resources to Los Angeles County, including engines, hand crews, bulldozers and a helicopter.
  • Monsoonal moisture is moving in with low chances of thunderstorms over mountains and deserts that could bring dry lightning, while limited overnight cooling elevates health risks before a gradual moderation by late weekend into next week.