Heat — Northern San Joaquin Valley, California

2008-07-09 · Northern San Joaquin Valley, California

Event narrative

A daily maximum temperature record of 109 degrees was set at the Modesto Airport. This broke the previous record of 106 degrees set in 2006. A daily high minimum temperature record of 77 degrees was set at the Modesto Airport. This broke the previous record of 70 degrees set in 1997.

A daily maximum temperature record of 107 degrees was set at the Stockton Airport. The temperature had been previously reached in 1961. A daily high minimum temperature record of 71 degrees was set at the Stockton Airport. This broke the previous record of 70 degrees set in 1910.

A 91 year old Modesto woman died as a result of the heat in her mobile home. Her air conditioning failed, and the temperature in her home was 85 degrees when she was found.

Heat was also reported to have contributed to the death of a 71 year old Turlock man but no details were available.

Wider weather episode

A strong upper level ridge brought hot weather to much of the area from July 6th to the 10th. High temperatures well over the century mark were recorded, with records tied or set across the northern Central Valley on the 9th. Overnight temperatures also remained very warm, with several record high minimums set or tied.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 125906. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.