Local Alert Day for the heat and poor air quality as the Flat Fire continues to burn
High pressure is dominating the western half of the country as we move forward into the weekend. This will provide not only a hot pattern, but dry conditions as well. This ridge is located over the desert southwest and is in just the right position to provide us with the heat.
A Heat
We issued the Local Alert Day for the heat, but we also must contend with a good deal of smoke from the Flat Fire. An Alert Day is issued when we feel you need to adjust your plans to stay safe. In this case, the heat will be oppressive in the afternoon, so it would be best to do most of your outdoor activities in the morning. This Alert Day is allowing you some time to switch up your routine and stay out of the heat.
The problem with today is not only the heat, but the smoky air from the Flat Fire. That fire has grown quickly and is still raging. The fuel on the ground is dried grass and brush with dead leaves and sticks mingled in as well. The occasional Juniper tree is also fuel for this fire, so there is a lot to burn, and burn quickly.
There is an Air Quality Alert for all our Tri Counties until further notice, so smoke is in the air.
Check the latest updates on this website for information regarding evacuations and air quality.
There is also a Heat Advisory in place through the weekend and beyond as today will be the third day in a row with above 90-degree heat. It will officially be a heat wave today (three days at or above 90). The heat will linger into the middle of next week.
There may be a few isolated showers or storms that develop in the heat of the day Sunday, but nothing organized. Monday will also see a small chance for a pop-up shower or storm, so that is also something to keep in mind over the next several days. Tuesday may be a bit more robust with the rainy pattern and that may be what breaks the heat wave.
Please stay safe.
Don’t forget to download the KTVZ weather app to stay safe and informed.
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ktvz-local-alert-weather-app/id1088330817
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ktvz.android.weather&hl=en_US
