Salem-News.com Weather articles Page 42

Weather Experts Predict Extreme Heat Danger in Western States

More than 1,700 fires have scorched nearly 1,000 square miles of California in the past two weeks. More than 300 of those fires are not fully contained.

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) - The extreme heat building through the West could reverse gains made by firefighters battling dozens of wildfires in California, AccuWeather.com forecasters say. Extreme Heat Warnings are in effect again today across many areas of California.

Temperatures in the central valley and the high desert will soar above 100 degrees, with the heat spreading north and east into western Canada and the western High Plains.

It has been three and a half weeks since an unprecedented number of lightning strikes sparked over 1,700 fires across northern and central California.

Fires Flare as Smoke Spreads From California Wildfires to Oregon and Nevada

The National Weather Service reports that wildland fire activity was reported with six new large fires nationally, but California remains the most active state with 27 large fires and 409,046 acres burned.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reports that over 1,450 fires in California have scorched more than 416,200 acres as of early this morning. AccuWeather.com forecasters say smoky conditions will continue to affect central and northern California as well as western Nevada and southern Oregon.

Letter to Editor Addresses Environmental Concerns Among Students

Changing light bulbs, driving less, and using energy efficient appliances are steps in the right direction.

(SALEM, Ore.) - I am a local student who is concerned about global warming and its potential devastating impacts. More and more science is showing us that human action is causing climate change and we must act now to protect our future. The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change tells us that by acting now, the worst impacts of global warming can still be avoided.

As the Earth’s largest polluter, the U.S. has an obligation to reduce the amount of global warming emissions we dump into the atmosphere. It is our responsibility to preserve a sustainable way of life and secure a livable future for many generations to come. Our children and grandchildren do not deserve to inherit environmental despair that threatens their livelihood because of our negligence.

Heat, Fires and Storms in the Forecast for California (VIDEO)

Several daily temperature records were broken Sunday in the Northwest, in Oregon new all time highs were set in The Dalles, Pendleton and Redmond, Oregon.

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) - Weather forecasters say a disturbance pushing through the Northwest will break the heat in the north, but will also allow thunderstorms to form into Tuesday. Meanwhile, remaining heat to the south over much of California will continue to fuel fires and the smoke given off, Accuweather.com weather experts reported.

An influx of Pacific air from an approaching disturbance brought relief from the heat Monday to coastal areas from northern California to Washington state, while the the Intermountain West remained hot.

Plains States Will See Returning Storms (VIDEO)

Storms moving into the northern Plains late Tuesday will reach the flood-weary Midwest by Wednesday.

(OMAHA, Neb.) - Forecasters at Accuweather.com, say high pressure building in the Midwest region out of the West Tuesday, will bring a blast of heat to the northern Plains. They predict temperatures through Tuesday to be in the 90s across the Intermountain West and the northern Plains.

As that heat gives way late Tuesday to a cold front droping out of Canada's Prairie Provinces, a quick-hitting, dynamic storm system will follow the front onto the northern Plains. By Wednesday, storms will move into the upper Mississippi Valley, Accuweather experts say.

California Wildfires Lead to Presidential Declaration for Federal Aid

Smoke has been sent downwind from the fires, resulting in hazardous breathing conditions for California residents. Parts of Oregon and Nevada will also be impacted.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The President issued a declaration today ordering federal aid to supplement state and local firefighting efforts in response to wildfires. AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Kristina Baker, says California's Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported early Sunday that over 1,400 fires have ignited across the state since last weekend's devastating lightning storm.

"The fires have charred over 356,000 acres and destroyed 29 residences. The number of homes that remain threatened stands at over 7,500. Firefighters are desperately trying to contain the 29 large blazes across the state that could destroy these residences."

Health Officials Advise Oregonians to Avoid Heat-Related Illness

"Extreme heat can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and both are dangerous" - Mel Kohn, M.D., state epidemiologist

(SALEM, Ore.) - With record-breaking temperatures predicted for the next few days, Oregon health officials are reminding residents to take precautions against getting sick from extreme heat.
Except for a short hot spell in mid-May this is expected to be the first episode of really hot weather this year.

Forecasters predict an abrupt change to higher temperatures after an unseasonably cool spring.

Wildfires Continue to Rage Across Northern California (VIDEO)

So far, the fires have claimed 17 private homes, one commercial buildings and 19 outbuildings.

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) - Fire authorities in California say firefighters are continuing their battle against fires burning in the northern part of the nation's third-largest state. Cal Fire reports that in addition to fires and evacuations, a number of related highway closures on state highways and local roads which are closed throughout northern California due to wildfire activities.

Closures are in place for state highway 32, 36, 70, 89, 96. Delays are in place for state highway 299. It is reported that numerous county and local roads are closed as well. Travelers are advised to check with law enforcement agencies prior to traveling.

California Wildfires in the State`s Wine Country Ignited by Lightning (VIDEO)

Firefighters in California are working hard to control numerous fires.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Forecasters say a storm system that pushed into the Northwest touched off numerous thunderstorms across northern California on Saturday. According to Accuweather.com, the thunderstorms produced significant rain but also sparked lightning, igniting wildfires as the lightning bolts struck the extremely dry vegetation covering parts of northern California, predominantly in the state's wine country.

One of the biggest problems facing firefighters is the fact that rather than just a few spots, hundreds of wildfires were started by the lighting strikes, . The AP reports that this series of destructive fires in rain starved northern California was 10% contained Sunday morning.

Warmth Derails Storm Train (VIDEO)

Heat in the West will peak today with temperatures in Oregon and the rest of the Pacific Northwest above summer levels.

(STATE COLLEGE, Pa.) - AccuWeather.com reports a broad flow of warm dry air from western Canada to the Southeast will prevent the development of severe weather over the next few days while derailing the severe storms that have tracked out of the Southwest.