Heat in Tulare Cty Foothills, California

Around July 12th, a strong high pressure ridge began to build west into California, and strengthened over the next several days. Temperatures quickly warmed to well above normal, with widespread triple-digit high temperatures on the 14th. This warming continued over the next several days, with Fresno reaching a high of 112 degrees on July 19th, and Bakersfield only one degree cooler. Both high temperatures set records for that date. Similar recordings were measured around the San Joaquin Valley, adjacent Sierra Foothills, and the Western Mojave Desert. Additionally, temperatures in the urban centers of Bakersfield and Fresno struggled to cool below 80 degrees on the mornings of July 18-20.