smoke and heat

Ah, yes, northern California this time of year is wonderful: the smoke from nearby raging forest fires, the triple digit heat. What's not to love? Seriously, the smoke and heat are becoming tiring. But, it looks like both will stay for awhile as high pressure stays firmly entrenched. Triple digit heat could remain through at least Thursday. If so, it will make eight consecutive days of 100+ degree temperatures. That hasn't happened since July 2006, when we had 11 straight days of triple digit heat. I remember it well; that was the first big weather story I covered in my then fledgling blog. Hard to believe I've had this blog for over six years. I started this blog at Weather Underground, then moved it over to Blogger in 2009 after ongoing technical difficulties at Weather Underground. Anyway, the smoke will also linger as the Chips fire is now over 30,000 acres and growing. It's currently only 8% contained, with full containment not expected until August 31st. Expect smoky conditions in the morning and triple digit heat in the afternoon the next three to five days. A lovely vacation spot, don't you think? Here is Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Sunny and hot, with a high near 105. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Tonight Clear, with a low around 62. Southeast wind 3 to 8 mph. Monday Sunny and hot, with a high near 105. Calm wind becoming south southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Monday Night Clear, with a low around 65. South wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable in the evening. Tuesday Sunny and hot, with a high near 105. Calm wind. Tuesday Night Clear, with a low around 62. Wednesday Sunny and hot, with a high near 102. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 60. Thursday Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 61. Friday Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Friday Night Clear, with a low around 60. Saturday Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Oh, I forgot to record yesterday's high temps in Chico: 104 degrees at the Chico Airport and 106 degrees at the Chico State University Farm. It's hot!