Scorching May Heat Wave Threatens To Shatter Records Across California And Nevada

As if this May wasn’t already weird enough, California and Nevada are about to get slammed with the kind of heat that makes Death Valley look inviting. A massive dome of high pressure is barreling toward the region, bringing temperatures that’ll make thermometers cry. We’re talking 15 to 20 degrees above normal in some spots. That’s not a typo.

Las Vegas is staring down 107°F on Friday, which would demolish the old record of 106°F from 2002. Redding? Same story, same temperature, beating their 2021 record by three degrees. Sacramento could hit 105°F, potentially breaking a record that’s stood since 1910. Yeah, 1910. The Central Valley is basically turning into a convection oven with widespread triple-digit temps. Some unlucky spots might even crack 110°F.

The heat advisory covers California’s interior valleys and mountains, from Cuyama Valley to the Southern Salinas Valley. San Luis Obispo County faces particularly intense conditions, with temperatures near Paso Robles expected to exceed 100 degrees. The surging energy costs could mirror Massachusetts’ situation, where energy burden disproportionately affects low-income families during extreme weather events. But hey, at least the coast gets a break. Los Angeles and San Francisco will dodge the worst of it thanks to that sweet marine layer. Small mercies, right?

The rapid warming kicks in Thursday, peaks Friday and Saturday, then mercifully backs off by Sunday. But those overnight temperatures? They’re staying stubbornly high, which is bad news for anyone hoping to cool down after dark.

Health officials are already sounding alarms. Young kids, elderly folks, outdoor workers, and anyone without AC are in serious danger. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke don’t mess around. The sudden temperature spike gives people zero time to adjust. Emergency services are bracing for a surge in heat-related incidents as hospitals prepare for the inevitable influx of patients.

Then there’s the fire risk. Low humidity, dry vegetation, and afternoon winds create a perfect storm for wildfires. Relative humidity could drop to the teens. Fire crews are on high alert, bracing for what could be an early start to wildfire season.

Power grids are sweating too. Everyone cranking their AC means massive demand spikes. Previous heat waves have triggered rolling blackouts, and utility companies are watching nervously. Infrastructure tends to hate extreme heat almost as much as humans do. Welcome to May in the new normal.