Heatwave keeps California in its grip
The US weather service is warning of exceptional heat across large parts of Southern California until Thursday.
Large parts of California are under an extreme heat warning. Inland temperatures could rise to around 105 degrees Fahrenheit, more than 40 degrees Celsius, while nights remain warm.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and the Inland Empire, among others. In several areas, the warnings will remain in force until Thursday evening local time.
Expected highs vary by area. Temperatures are lower along the coast, but valleys and higher inland areas could reach highs of around 100 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. In some areas, overnight temperatures will remain in the 70s Fahrenheit.
The weather service warns that heat-related health problems can increase sharply in such conditions. The combination of heat and strong winds could also place additional pressure on the energy supply and cause problems for trees, traffic and outdoor activities.
California's emergency services department said on Friday that high temperatures are affecting many parts of the state. It is directing residents to local authorities for information about cooling centres and other facilities. This is therefore a current warning, not an established series of new temperature records.
California has already announced a new action plan for extreme heat this year. The plan focuses, among other things, on warnings, local emergency services, greening neighbourhoods, cooling schools, stronger energy systems and adapting buildings.
The current warnings are weather forecasts and do not in themselves say how much of this heat has been caused by climate change. The event does, however, fit into a broader policy debate: California is preparing for heat that occurs more often, lasts longer and is more intense, while the state is also seeking to reduce emissions and neighbourhood vulnerability.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The National Weather Service is warning of extreme heat in parts of California.
- California has a policy plan for heat adaptation.
- The current warning does not establish the precise cause of the heat.
Left
Arguments Extreme heat calls for rapid public investment in cooling, shade, affordable energy and protecting vulnerable neighbourhoods. At the same time, the state must further reduce emissions to address the cause of the trend.
Values Public health, climate justice, prevention and public responsibility.
Consequences Greater protection could save lives and infrastructure, but requires sustained government spending and stricter rules.
Centre
Arguments The first priority is reliable warning and practical preparation. Adaptation should be based on data and local risks, with attention to energy security and feasibility.
Values Evidence-based policy, proportionality, public safety and cooperation between authorities.
Consequences Targeted measures are more affordable, but may be less able to resolve structural inequality or global emissions quickly.
Right
Arguments California should focus primarily on investing in reliable energy, water management, buildings and local preparation. Policy choices should not be justified solely by a single weather event.
Values Local autonomy, affordability, energy security and restrained government.
Consequences An adaptation-focused approach can deliver practical gains quickly, but may leave broader emissions reductions and vulnerability problems unaddressed.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
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The current weather information is based on official warnings from the US weather service. Policy and climate context have been separately attributed to Californian government sources.
- confirmed Large parts of Southern California are under an extreme heat warning. — National Weather Service warnings for multiple counties. source
- confirmed Inland areas could reach temperatures of around 105 degrees Fahrenheit. — Warnings for San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles and Ventura, among others. source
- confirmed The warnings will remain in force for several areas until Thursday evening. — End time stated in the official warnings. source
- confirmed California has an action plan for extreme heat with measures covering warnings, buildings, energy and greening. — Description of the Californian action plan. source
- confirmed The current warning does not in itself prove that a new temperature record has been set. — Methodological conclusion: the warning contains forecasts and warnings, not confirmation of a record. source
Editor's note
The warning, duration and temperatures come from the National Weather Service. The text distinguishes between the current weather forecast and long-term policy; no new temperature record was established in the sources used.Sources
- Extreme Heat Warning — National Weather Service
- Cooling Centers and Resources — California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
- As 2026 continues notching heat records, Governor Newsom announces a strategic action plan to address extreme heat in California — State of California
More on this in Dutch media
- NU.nl — „californië hittegolf”
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- Trouw — „californië hittegolf”