Our hot and hazy weather is here to stick around through the weekend.

As high pressure remains in control, an Excessive Heat Warning is in effect for the San Joaquin Valley and desert communities through Monday evening.

Highs in the Valley on Monday will be around 108-110, with desert highs could reach up to 112 degrees. This means near record temperatures in Bakersfield, with a daily record of 109 degrees for August 16th. Although, we will not reach the hottest record in Bakersfield history of 118 degrees back in July of 1908.

Air quality will remain in the unhealthy range for sensitive groups on Monday, with an AQI of 119. During this time, it is not a bad idea to close windows and doors. Also important to run AC on recirculate with a new filter.

All of this poor air quality is due to the wildfires to the North of us.

We will also see possible cloud to ground lighting strikes through Monday in the Sierra Nevada. This could potentially cause more wildfire starts.

And now for the good news!

Models show an upper level low dropping toward, or at least near California next week.

This system will prompt a period of gusty winds and a downward trend in our forecast.

Afternoon highs should remain near normal from Wednesday to Friday.