National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Heavy Rainfall in the East Wednesday; Hot Temperatures Continue in Coastal Southern California

Heavy to excessive rainfall may lead to flooding Wednesday over southwest Pennsylvania into northern West Virginia, and western Maryland. Flood Watches have been issued. An extended period of hot weather will continue for parts of coastal southern California including Los Angeles through Thursday. Heat Advisories remain in effect. Read More >

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Last Map Update: Wed, May 21, 2025 at 1:30:06 am PDT

A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for the San Joaquin Valley from Merced to Kern County and the adjacent Coastal and Sierra Foothills. The Fire Weather Watch is in effect from mid-morning to late evening on Thursday, May 22nd. At that time, warm temperatures, dry air and strong winds will make the dry grass suspectable to fire starts.
With the passage of a weak disturbance over Northern California on Thursday May 22nd, strong winds will be generated across Central California as winds gust up to 35-45 mph. These windy conditions will be felt throughout Central California with portions of Kern County and the Sierra Crest favoring the strongest winds.
The chance of having strong winds gusting up to 35 mph across Central California is fairly good on Thursday, May 22nd. While the favored areas of the Coastal Range and the Kern County Mountains and Desert will have the highest potential, strong winds will extend on to the San Joaquin Valley Floor. Be prepared for difficult driving conditions, reduced visibility in dust and a higher potential for possible grass fires.
Maximum Temperatures will continue their warming trend as temperature reaching into the 90s. Thursday is expected to be the warmest day with widespread 90s across the San Joaquin Valley and some lower foothill locations. The best probabilities of reaching 90 degrees will exist from Kern upward to Fresno County. The Kern County Desert will also have a fairly high chance of reaching well into the 90s on Thursday.
Relative humidity values less than 20% are expected on Thursday, May 22nd. When combined with drying fuels and stronger winds, a risk for conditions favorable for grass fire development will exist. Reduce fire risk by careful use of lawn mowers to cut dry grass and avoid dragging parts or chains from your vehicle. This image provides information on what can cause wildfires to start.

 

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