‘A pressure cooker:’ A heat wave with above-normal temps hits Fresno and the Valley

Summer isn’t over yet.

A heat wave with above-normal temperatures is expected to hit Fresno and the rest of the Valley this week.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch for Tuesday through Friday.

Things started to heat up Monday with a forecast high in Fresno of 103, followed by 106 on Tuesday and Wednesday, 105 on Thursday, and 104 on Friday and Saturday.

Some areas of the central San Joaquin Valley could hit 107 or 108, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Andy Bollenbacher.

“By Wednesday and Thursday, you’re looking at afternoon highs about 10 degrees above normal,” he said.

A strong ridge of high pressure is building over the area, he said, meaning stagnant air will heat up until weather comes along to blow it away.

“That makes the atmosphere like a pressure cooker over California,” he said.

Nighttime lows in the mid- to high 70s, especially in urban areas, will compound the misery. Such warm overnight temperatures also can put people susceptible to heat illnesses at higher risk, according to the heat watch.

The Weather Service recommends people drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms when possible, and stay out of the sun. It also advises people to check up on relatives and neighbors.

And never leave pets or children unattended vehicles, when interiors can reach lethal temperatures within minutes.

The hot weather will start to cool slightly Sunday with a forecast high of 99, followed by lower temperatures.