Could Hurricane Kay bring rain to Southern California and put an end to the heat wave?
California is sweltering under a heatwave. Hurricane Kay is expected to bring at least some relief to Southern California but also potential heavy rains.
California has been experiencing an historic heatwave prompting the state to issue an energy consumption alert. The dry and hot weather has made it difficult for fire fighters to tackle the numerous fires raging across the Golden State and aided the creation of additional infernos.
Some relief though, for Southern California, is moving up the Baja peninsula in the form of Hurricane Kay. While the storm will help bring down temperatures and much needed rain, there is the risk of flash floods.
Hurricane Kay set to arrive by the weekend
Hurricane Kay is currently moving northward parallel to the Baja peninsula with the potential to brush the middle portion as it advances. It will continue this path until roughly Friday afternoon when it will veer off to the west and head out to sea according to the National Hurricane Center predictions.
Residents of Southern California will have to endure a couple more days of elevated temperatures, expected to be in the mid-90s along the coast, in the low-90s inland, and in the mid-80s in the deserts. Relief will come Friday night into Saturday as Hurricane Kay is expected to bring lower temperatures.
With it too will come much needed rain to parts of scorched Southern California and southwestern Arizona. This could help fire fighters battle the numerous wildfires burning across the area. Fairview, the biggest in Southern California has burned 9,846 Acres and is only 5 percent contained.
However, San Diego and the southern Channel Islands could receive tropical force winds Thursday into Friday. The strong winds combined with the heat will increase the fire danger prior to the arrival of the showers.
When the rains do come, there is also the potential for heavy downpours, as much as four inches in the Imperial Valley. The National Weather Center in San Diego is warning of possible flash, urban and small stream flooding across Southern California, especially in the area of the peninsular ranges, and Southwest Arizona. This will also make dangerous conditions for driving due to the wet roads and potential for inundated roadways.