Excessive Heat — Southern Sierra Foothills, California

2021-06-17 to 2021-06-20 · Southern Sierra Foothills, California

Event narrative

Daytime highs ranged between 101 and 106 degrees on June 17, 18 and 20 and between 104 and 109 degrees on June 19.

Wider weather episode

A large upper ridge which was centered over the four corners area built westward and strengthened over central California between June 15 and June 18 resulting in dangerously hot daytime temperatures becoming prevalent over the Kern County Deserts by June 15 and over the Lake Isabella and Tehachapi areas by June 17. The heat surged into the San Joaquin Valley, West Side Hills and Sierra foothills by June 19 as daytime highs were 110 Degrees F or higher at several locations. Temperatures cooled slightly on June 20 and more significantly on June 21 and 22 as the ridge shifted to the east of the area.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 955592. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.