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Risk of dangerous heat, wildfires, and hazy smoke on the rise in the western U.S.
July 18, 2024
> Record-breaking heat expected to return to the interior Pacific Northwest
this weekend
> Threat of dry thunderstorms and lightning could spark new fires
> Smoke from 50 large wildfires is creating hazy skies and reducing air quality
across much of the Northwest and Rockies
AccuWeather Global Weather Center – July 18, 2024
Intense heat that has been baking parts of the interior West is expected to expand into the Pacific Northwest, raising the risk of heat-related illnesses and new wildfires.
AccuWeather expert meteorologists say a northward bulge in the jet stream and an area of high pressure will dominate the overall weather pattern for the western United States through this weekend.
“The heat is not going anywhere in the intermountain west or much of California,” said AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno. “It’s been an incredibly hot summer, and it’s far from over.”
Temperatures are forecast to soar 10-20 degrees above historical averages this weekend in parts of the interior Northwest, challenging daily record high temperatures. A surge in the demand for electricity is also expected with more air conditioners, fans, and cooling equipment running around the clock.
AccuWeather expert meteorologists expect temperatures to surpass the daily high record of 103 degrees in Spokane, Washington on Sunday. Records could also be shattered in Boise, Idaho, with temperatures climbing well above 100 degrees over the weekend.
Threat of new wildfires and more smoke
AccuWeather expert meteorologists say there is a “high” risk for wildfires sparking through this weekend in parts of California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming. The “high” risk for wildfires will shift further northwest next week.
AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Houk says storms are possible along the edge of the jet stream bulge around the area of high pressure.
“Many of the storms may bring little or no rainfall but could produce lightning,” said Houk. “Dry storms with lightning could potentially spark new wildfires.”
More than 1,000 fires have been sparked by dry thunderstorms so far this year.
Much of the Pacific Northwest experiences the least amount of rain of the year from summer through early fall. Vegetation tends to dry out slowly in the sunshine and heat with each passing day, so lightning could easily spark a fire.
More than 50 large wildfires are burning in the United States this week, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. More than 3 million acres have burned across the country so far this year.
Multiple fires are also burning in western and central Canada. The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center says more than 2.9 million acres have burned across Canada this year.
Rising temperatures and light winds could further reduce air quality across much of the West and Northwest, which is already being impacted by fires burning in the U.S. and Canada. Smoky and hazy skies could drift across the northern Rockies and continue pushing east in the coming days.
To the north in Canada, a storm is expected to move across British Columbia next week, which could bring some rain to parts of coastal and interior British Columbia. AccuWeather expert meteorologists say stronger wind gusts and dry thunderstorms could increase the risk of wildfires next week in Southern British Columbia and western Alberta.
Staying safe in the summer heat
AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok says there is little relief from the heat in sight for millions of people in the West.
“We expect the summer heat to stick around right through August for people in central California, eastern Oregon, and most of Nevada and Idaho,” said Pastelok. “The stubborn area of high pressure responsible for it will continue to bake these areas, drying out vegetation and likely setting new record temperatures in the coming weeks.”
AccuWeather’s team of Long Range Experts issued the AccuWeather 2024 U.S. Summer Forecast in May, accurately predicting that temperatures across much of the West and Pacific Northwest would be well-above the historical average this summer.
People dealing with the intense heat in the West are urged to stay hydrated, wear loose and light-colored clothing, and take frequent breaks in the shade or air-conditioned areas to avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke. People who live, work, and are traveling through areas facing a “high” risk of wildfires are urged to use caution outdoors to prevent any accidental sparks that could start a new wildfire.
AccuWeather expert meteorologists also remind people to never leave children or pets behind in hot cars in the summer heat.
Kids and Car Safety is reporting 13 cases of children dying in hot cars in the United States this year, as well as three additional cases that are pending confirmation.
When temperatures hit 90 degrees, the temperature inside a parked car can reach 109 degrees in 10 minutes and 124 degrees in 30 minutes.
AccuWeather Forecast Graphics
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