Hanford, CA – Central California residents are preparing for a major heatwave set to affect the area this week. The National Weather Service is predicting temperatures above 85 degrees for zones throughout the San Joaquin Valley and Kern County Desert beginning Thursday, April 10.
The National Weather Service reports that numerous cities in the area, such as Fresno, Bakersfield, and Visalia, all have an 80-90% possibility of breaking 85°F, with some rural areas having even a 50% possibility of reaching 90°F. This hot spell should persist over the weekend.
Temperatures of this scale are rare for this time of year, raising worries over heat illness, particularly in the countryside, where air conditioning may be less accessible. Experts call on residents to stay hydrated, avoid being outdoors during the hottest part of the day, and visit elderly neighbors.
Local services can expect to handle higher loads, particularly in neighborhoods that are not well-ventilated through air conditioning. Officials advise remaining informed with the most recent alerts to stay safe throughout this heat event.