California is facing a heatwave after the earliest snow advisory in 20 years

California is facing a record heat wave, with some cities seeing temperatures 20 degrees above average weeks after the state issued its first snow advisory, meteorologists say.

“We have a period of above-normal temperatures that are affecting much of interior Northern California,” Katrina Hand, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sacramento, told USA TODAY.

Temperatures range from the upper 90s to 100 degrees in the interior of Northern California, which includes cities such as Sacramento, Stockton and Modesto, according to Hand.

This time of year, temperatures in these areas are usually in the mid-80s.

“So we’re about 15 degrees above the climate average,” Hand said.

Areas in Southern California are also struggling with elevated temperatures, according to the National Weather Service.

Temperatures reached 90 degrees in Los Angeles on Wednesday. Santa Clarita, which is more inland, measured at 103 degrees.

Snow advisory a few weeks ago

California issued its first snow advisory in 20 years in mid-September, according to previous USA TODAY reporting.

Several inches of snow were expected to fall in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, about 171 miles southeast of Sacramento.

Late heat wave

Wednesday’s high in San Francisco, located about 90 miles southwest of Sacramento, was a high of 95 degrees, according to Heather Zehr, senior meteorologist at AccuWeather. The temperature in the city is usually 79 degrees this time of year.

Temperatures typically peak in San Francisco in September, which “is true for much of California,” Zehr said. This is because the winds that keep temperatures cooler in the Bay Area come more often from inland than from the ocean. Winds from the sea will also be slightly warmer at this time.

“So while the rest of us are thinking about fall, they’re just entering the warmest part of the year,” Zehr told USA TODAY.

However, the city’s average temperature will be below 80 degrees, according to the meteorologist.

According to Weather Spark, temperatures in San Francisco ranged from 58 to 72 degrees on September 19, the “hottest day of the year.”

When should the California heat wave end?

According to the National Weather Service, a heat watch has been issued for Delta, Sacramento, the northern San Joaquin Valleys and adjacent foothills until 11 p.m. Pacific time on Friday.

“We will see above-normal temperatures continue tomorrow and through the weekend before gradually cooling off on Sunday and next week,” Hand said.

What to do during a heatwave

Both Hand and Zehr recommend that people stay hydrated and avoid spending too much time outdoors.

“The best thing you can do is try to stay in the shade as much as possible if you must be outdoors,” Zehr said. “Try to stay in an environment as cool as possible.”

Until the heat wave subsides, people in affected areas should monitor the weather and follow heat safety practices, Hand said.

According to the National Park Service, thermal safety measures include:

Pack sun protection such as sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses to minimize sun exposure.
Take water with you if you commute to work or spend time outdoors
Eating salty snacks to replenish electrolytes lost while outdoors
Rest often in the shade
Stop outdoor activities if it starts to get too hot

Zehr adds that anyone who must be outdoors should take as many breaks as possible and wear loose, light, light-colored clothing.

“Dark colors can absorb heat from the sun and increase body temperature,” the NPS says.

Zehr also advised people exposed to the heat wave to avoid drinking alcohol, which can cause dehydration.

Symptoms of heat illness

There are many forms of heat illness, but according to the NPS, heat stroke is the most deadly and dangerous.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms of heat stroke include:

Body temperature 103 degrees or higher.
Hot, red, dry or moist skin
Fast, strong pulse
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Confusion
Loss of consciousness

If heat stroke occurs, the CDC recommends that people do the following:

Call 911 immediately
Move the person suffering from heat stroke to a cool place
Lower a person’s body temperature with cool clothing or a bath
Do not give a person suffering from heat stroke water or anything to drink