Latest news with #HeatherZehr
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
Live Tracker Maps as Heavy Rain Takes Aim At Pacific Northwest
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A storm will bring heavy rain across parts of Washington state and Oregon beginning on Thursday night, a rare event for the areas during the summer dry season. National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists are anticipating several inches of rain to fall over the course of the next few days, which could be more than a month's worth of rain for cities like Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington. Why It Matters The forecast comes as meteorologists have warned that climate change has contributed to the prevalence of 100-year and 1,000-year floods across the U.S. in recent years. As the atmosphere warms, it gains the ability to hold more moisture, which in turn can fuel heavy rains when storms roll into the area. Such rains have brought devastating flash floods to many parts of the U.S. this summer, including Texas, Wisconsin, and Tennessee. A map from shows heavy rainfall over the next three days across parts of Oregon and Washington. A map from shows heavy rainfall over the next three days across parts of Oregon and Washington. What to Know On Thursday afternoon, NWS Seattle issued a hydrologic outlook for western Washington that warned of the incoming rain. "A frontal system will move across the area Friday into Saturday across western Washington. Through Saturday afternoon, 3-5 inches of rain are expected across the mountains, with 0.5-1.5 inches expected through the lowlands," the outlook said. Animated weather footage from showed that through Saturday evening, some parts of Washington could see around 3.5 inches of rain. Some rainy weather has already started near Vancouver, British Columbia, as of 5 p.m. Eastern time, the maps showed. Rain is expected to begin as soon as Thursday evening, AccuWeather reported. Much of the region is undergoing some level of drought, which could contribute to the flood potential from the incoming storm. "Very dry antecedent conditions has left the area soils dry and hard. This amount of rainfall in one storm will not have much time to soak into the very dry soil, which will result in heavy surface runoff," the hydrologic outlook said. "Impacts are uncertain due to how much moisture will be able to be absorbed by the soil." What People Are Saying AccuWeather senior meteorologist Heather Zehr told Newsweek: "The biggest concern we have, because it has been dry, is that, especially in the higher terrain where there's going to be more rainfall, that it can lead to some flooding issues. We are looking for rain totals in some of those higher areas at 2 to 4 inches, and that can lead to ... some flooding issues and flash flooding issues." NWS Portland in a post on X, formerly Twitter: "The rain will ebb and flow, so expect some periods that are heavier rain, then lighter rain, it may totally stop and then start up again. The rain will move eastward out of the region by Saturday/Sunday at midnight." What Happens Next Rain could begin to fall as soon as Thursday night, but the brunt of the storm will hit on Friday and Saturday. NWS Portland urged people to make sure their gutters were clean and that people should be aware that some creeks and streams might run higher than normal after the rainfall.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Big heat coming to western US following Independence Day weekend
Heat is poised to build over much of the western United States next week and may challenge the highest temperatures of the season so far, along with boosting an already volatile wildfire risk, AccuWeather meteorologists caution. The heat will arise following typical summer conditions for much of the West for the Independence Day weekend. "At its peak during the first full week of July, some places will be 15 degrees above average, and isolated spots could be as much as 20 degrees Fahrenheit above the historical average," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Heather Zehr said. "This could be an extended stretch of heat away from the Pacific coast." July typically brings the highest temperatures of the year on average to the interior West, so when forecasts call for readings of 15-20 degrees above that level, it is significant, even for the middle of summer. Once the heat wave begins to build and the strength of the weather setup is realized, high temperature adjustments to the forecast are likely. Temperatures could rival season-high marks set during late May and June. The hottest it's been in Phoenix, Arizona, and Palm Springs, California, is 117, while Las Vegas has reached 110, with Salt Lake City hitting 104 and Fresno and Sacramento, California, touching 102. "A large area of high pressure will start to build over northwestern Mexico and the interior Southwest through this weekend," Zehr explained. "The high pressure area will cut off tropical moisture that has been bringing rounds of drenching thunderstorms and dust storms recently to the interior West. As the high strengthens early next week, it will also expand to the north and west, reaching interior portions of the Northwest as well as California." The heat wave is not likely to eclipse season highs along the immediate coast of California. Downtown Los Angeles reached 99 on May 10. San Francisco peaked at 81 in early May. However, as Zehr pointed out, some heat will surge into the Northwest, and temperatures will climb in coastal areas of Washington and northern Oregon next week where highs of 96 in Portland, Oregon, and 90 in Seattle, so far this season, could be the app? Unlock AccuWeather Alerts™ with Premium+ Wildfires already causing trouble in the West Existing drought conditions and dry vegetation have already been contributing factors to an active wildfire season. One of the most recent fires broke out in the mountains of San Luis Obispo County, California. In a matter of hours, the Madre Fire grew rapidly in size to 35,000 acres as of Thursday morning and has already become the state's largest wildfire of 2025 so far. In prior decades, wildfires occurred predominantly during the late summer and autumn seasons. However, with vast areas of drought and episodes of strong winds becoming more routine, wildfires are becoming a year-round problem in the West. Wildfires have been especially troublesome over the southern Canadian Prairies this spring and summer. Northwest breezes have occasionally sent a considerable amount of smoke from those fires into the central and eastern United States. People are urged to exercise extreme caution with campfires, fireworks and power equipment. "The building heat into next week will further dry out the vegetation and raise the risk of wildfire ignition next week and beyond," Zehr said. "We are not seeing any mechanism to bring widespread rainfall to areas from the Great Basin to the Pacific coast, which is not surprising." The North American monsoon became active in recent days, and that was the main cause of the surge in showers and thunderstorms over the interior Southwest this week. However, with drier air working in and shunting the plume of moisture off to the east, downpours will be limited at best over the southern Rockies next week. A small amount of moisture left in the atmosphere could trigger spotty, but mainly dry, thunderstorm activity over the interior Southwest this weekend to next week. Dry thunderstorms still produce lightning strikes, which could spark new wildfires. Fortunately, light winds appear to be in store, which should limit the risk of rapidly spreading fires, except for freak local conditions. Taking extended, ill-advised hikes over the interior West can be hazardous. In addition to the ever-present risk of snakes and other wildlife, the midsummer sun and heat can be highly unforgiving. And, on a number of days during the mid- to late summer, afternoon thunderstorms can bring the risk of sudden lightning strikes and flash flooding over the rugged terrain. Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts™ are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Triple-digit heat in forecast as California braces for scorching summer
Much of California is set for its first heat wave of the season, as weather experts predict several parts of the state could experience record-high temperatures. The surge of warmth is expected to sweep across the state, peaking on Friday, May 30. Temperatures could soar near or above 100 degrees in the warmest deserts and valleys this weekend, said Heather Zehr, a senior meteorologist with AccuWeather on May 27. "Really, this is the first widespread heat wave of the season," said Zehr, adding those areas are already under an extreme heat watch. "While there have been some heat cells, a couple of days here and there that's been shorter in duration, but in terms of the scope of the land area, this is the first." In California's Central Valley, triple digits are likely, as some locations could break daily records, according to the National Weather Service in Los Angeles. Redding is forecast to hit up to 109 degrees on May 30, which would tie the city's all-time May record set in 2021, the agency said. Sacramento also could reach a high of 105 degrees on May 30, and Bakersfield could see a high of 106 degrees on May 31, the weather service added. Other cities with the greatest chance of breaking record highs include Paso Robles, Ojai, Palmdale and Lancaster, the weather service said. "There is an increasing chance — 30% to 40% — of Friday's highs approaching or breaking calendar daytime record(s) across some valley and desert areas," the agency said in its May 27 forecast. The triple-digit temps could extend into eastern parts of the San Francisco Bay Area as well. "There's definitely a significant warm-up expected in those areas, especially this Friday and Saturday," said Ryan Kittell, a weather service meteorologist based in Los Angeles. The Climate Prediction Center forecasts above-normal temperatures across most of California by Friday, May 30. However, cooler temps are expected throughout California by next weekend, Kittell said. Hot, hot, hot: Here's what Old Farmer's Almanac is predicting for summer 2025 in California The anticipated post-Memorial Day weekend heat wave in California comes as the weather service's latest three-month outlook on May 15 predicted temperatures in June, July and August will be "above normal" this summer. ''Normal' is based on the average of all temperatures from 1991 to 2020,' the weather service said. Additionally, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center also predicts that this summer, California and the rest of the contiguous United States will experience above-average temperatures. Meteorological summer starts on June 1. And the astronomical summer, which is marked by the summer solstice, begins on June 20. A primer: All your questions about the 2025 hurricane season answered About 22.7 million Californians were living in areas affected by drought, according to a report released by the National Integrated Drought Information System on May 23. Overall, nearly 40% of California is experiencing drought conditions, with 18.3% classified as abnormally dry, 15.1% in moderate drought, 17.6% in severe drought, 7.0% in extreme drought and 0.1% in exceptional drought, a May 20 report said. "The drought is pretty much focused on the southern part of the state," Kittell said. "Most of California doesn't get much rain during the summer months, so for the vast majority of the state, it will be dry.". Weather Service working with less: First came the weather service staffing cuts. Then came the tornadoes. AccuWeather's Zehr also warns that the combination of intense to extreme heat, low humidity and dry vegetation could also increase the risk of wildfires sparking across the state. California is still recovering from the Palisades and Eaton fires, which swept through the Pacific Palisades and Altadena regions earlier this year, killing at least 29 and burning over 37,000 acres, or 57.8 square miles. The fires were fully contained in early February. They have been ranked as the second and third most destructive wildfires in California history, according to Cal Fire. "There may be an expansion of the short-term drought conditions, including areas with extreme or exceptional drought levels," Zehr said. "There hasn't been widespread, meaningful rainfall in California since mid- to late March, so fuels have had a chance to dry considerably over the past two months." Additionally, Zehr said there will be "a very dry air mass," along with the low relative humidity this weekend. "The high heat will help to make it even drier," Zehr said. "Gusty winds, while not reaching alarming levels, will also contribute to the dryness. These conditions will make it easier for fires to start and spread." (This story has been updated to add more information.) This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: California's first 'widespread' heat wave is coming this weekend
Newsweek
29-05-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Map Shows Where California Residents Have Been Warned Not to Go Outside
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned residents across California to avoid going outdoors this weekend as temperatures in several regions are forecast to rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Why It Matters Heat advisories were issued by the NWS for broad areas of Northwest, North Central, and South Central California. High daytime temperatures, combined with limited relief overnight, can lead to heat-related illnesses, particularly for individuals lacking air conditioning, children, the elderly, and those who work outdoors, the service cautioned. What To Know The NWS forecast office in Sacramento warned of "dangerously hot" conditions, with temperatures up to 107 expected in the Sacramento Valley and nearby areas. It warned that heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events. A map issued by NWS Sacramento highlights areas of concern due to dangerous heat. A map issued by NWS Sacramento highlights areas of concern due to dangerous heat. National Weather Service In central California, including the cities of Merced, Bakersfield, and Tulare, high temperatures up to 106 were expected. Trinity, Mendocino, and Lake Counties could see highs of up to 105. Meanwhile, the Cuyama Valley, San Luis Obispo County Interior Valleys, San Luis Obispo County Mountains, and Southern Salinas Valley were expected to see temperatures up to 100. "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors," the NWS said. The NWS advised residents in affected areas to use added caution outdoors and to dress in lightweight, loose-fitting clothes. It also said to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. "Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke," it added. Emergency services in some areas are preparing for a possible rise in heat-related ER visits, and health experts advised monitoring for early signs of heat exhaustion—such as dizziness, nausea and heavy sweating. What People Are Saying AccuWeather meteorologist Heather Zehr said, in an advisory shared with Newsweek: "This will be the first heat wave of the season in the West, outside of Southern California. A strong area of high pressure in the upper levels of the atmosphere will bring plenty of warmth." NWS Sacramento said on X: "A Heat Advisory remains in effect from 11 a.m. Friday to 11 p.m. Saturday with widespread Moderate to Major HeatRisk forecasted and limited overnight relief." NWS Los Angeles said on X: "Heat will return to SoCal Thu-Sat with Fri likely the warmest day: "Heat Advisories Fri for interior San Luis Obispo & Santa Barbara counties. "Increased risk of grass fires due to warm conditions, low humidity and gusty onshore winds valleys/mountains and deserts." NWS Hanford said on X: "With 100°+ heat anticipated for the weekend, keep in mind that area lakes and rivers are still running cold, and in some cases, may have a 30° difference between air and water temperature. Warm air temperatures do NOT mean warm water temperatures!" Dr. Gregory Hartt, the ER medical director at Mercy Medical Center Redding, previously told Newsweek: "As temperatures climb, we anticipate a corresponding increase in ER visits due to heat-related illnesses. A critical component of heat wave preparedness is proactively ensuring adequate staffing levels, supplies, and cooling measures are in place to effectively manage the influx of patients." What Happens Next At the time of writing, the latest of the heat advisories was in effect until Sunday morning.
Newsweek
28-05-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Lake Mead Warning Issued As People Told To Stay out of Sun
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. An extreme heat watch has been issued for parts of southern Nevada and eastern California later this week as the region braces for a dangerous heat event projected to send temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The warning encompasses popular tourist destinations including the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Death Valley National Park. Why It Matters The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned residents in affected regions to avoid sun exposure, remain indoors if possible and check on vulnerable individuals. Two of the four intake towers sit in the reservoir of Lake Mead at the Hoover Dam in Boulder City, Nevada on June 8, 2024. Two of the four intake towers sit in the reservoir of Lake Mead at the Hoover Dam in Boulder City, Nevada on June 8, 2024. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images What To Know NWS said that temperatures could hit between 104 and 108 degrees in the Lake Mead Recreation Area, 100 to 105 degrees in the western Mojave Desert including Barstow, and 105 to 109 degrees in the valleys of southern Nevada, including Las Vegas, Pahrump and Moapa. Temperatures above 115 would be likely in Death Valley—considered the hottest place on Earth—it added. It warned that the possibility of heat related illnesses will increase significantly during the "dangerously hot conditions." "Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes," it warned "If you do not have air conditioning in your home or lack shelter, monitor for local cooling shelters openings and assistance locating appropriate shelter from the heat," it said. It added: "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors." According to forecasters at AccuWeather, a surge in heat levels across parts of the western U.S. could lead to daily record-challenging temperatures for cities in the territory. On Friday, Redding, California, is expected to hit 107 degrees Fahrenheit, surpassing its previous record of 104 degrees set in 2021. Sacramento may reach 103 degrees, matching a record that has stood since 1910, the outlet said. Las Vegas is forecast by AccuWeather to climb to 107°F, breaking its 2002 record of 106 degrees Fahrenheit, while Salt Lake City could see 96 degrees on Sunday, topping the 2020 record of 94 degrees. What People Are Saying The National Weather Service forecast office, Las Vegas, said on X, Wednesday: "Temperatures will climb over the next few days and an Extreme Heat Watch is in effect on Friday and Saturday for desert valleys including Las Vegas, Pahrump, Barstow, and Lake Mead. Beat the heat by staying hydrated and limiting outdoor exposure!" AccuWeather meteorologist Heather Zehr said, in an advisory shared with Newsweek: "This will be the first heat wave of the season in the West, outside of Southern California. A strong area of high pressure in the upper levels of the atmosphere will bring plenty of warmth." What Happens Next At the time of writing, the extreme heat watch was set to be in force from Friday morning through Saturday evening.
