Fresno, California – An extreme heat wave will grip much of Central and Southern California starting Friday, with temperatures soaring well into the triple digits and posing serious health threats through the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Hanford, an Extreme Heat Warning is now in effect for the Mojave Desert, Coastal Range, Foothills, and metro areas like Fresno and Bakersfield through Sunday evening. A Heat Advisory also covers the rest of the San Joaquin Valley, where heat risk remains high. The agency warns that this level of heat can be life-threatening without access to air conditioning or proper hydration.
In Fresno, heat indices could exceed 110°F by Friday afternoon. In Bakersfield, overnight lows may stay above 80°F, offering little relief. Vulnerable populations — including the elderly, outdoor workers, and those without cooling — are urged to take precautions.
Avoid outdoor activity between noon and 7 p.m., drink plenty of fluids, and check on neighbors. Cooling centers are expected to open across Kern, Kings, and Tulare Counties.
This will be the region’s most significant heat event since early July.
Warnings remain in effect through at least Sunday night. Stay tuned for updated advisories.
