It was nice while it lasted! Although temperatures were in the 70's all weekend, we can expect quite a jump for the week ahead! Temperatures will range about 11-13 degrees above average for this time of year on Thursday and Friday, almost hitting those triple digits! The peak of this heatwave will land on Friday! This is due to a strong upper level ridge of high pressure that is currently building in the Eastern Pacific. Along with warmer temperatures, this will bring worsening air quality to the region. Any smoke not extinguished from wildfires will creep back into the Valley and become trapped.

We will also see lower humidities in the mountains and desert communities next week. This dry weather pattern will heighten fire danger.

Air quality in Kern County will be in the moderate range on Monday, with an AQI of 72. We will continue to track smoke from the California wildfires.