MOUNTAIN AREA — The return of much warmer weather Sunday through Tuesday will cause an increase in snowmelt over the higher elevations of the Sierra — leading to a rise in water levels on rivers and streams during the early part of the week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The normal water rises each night will heighten the risk of flooding in areas adjacent to rivers and streams early next week. The California-Nevada River Forecast Center forecasts a renewed threat of flooding along the upper Merced River in Yosemite National Park by the middle of next week.
Persons living near rivers and streams in addition to hikers and campers in the Sierra should closely monitor water levels during the next several days and be ready to move to a place of safety if the threat of flooding becomes imminent.
Keep in mind that rivers pose dangerous, life threatening hazards at this time of year due to their swift currents and very cold water temperatures. Fifteen minutes or less exposure to the icy cold waters of a river can lead to hypothermia. Strong undercurrents can carry even an experienced swimmer into dangerous parts of the river.
“Don’t become the next drowning casualty or the victim of a water rescue,” say experts at the NWS.
Excessive Heat Watch in San Joaquin Valley
A warming trend begins on Saturday, June 8, with temperatures climbing to well above normal early next week. Temperatures will trend down late next week but will remain a little above normal. Otherwise, dry weather will prevail with mostly sunny skies.
As for the warming trend, triple digits begin on Monday, June 10 over lower elevations, with the peak of the heat occurring on Tuesday, June 11, where 100-105 degrees will be common in the San Joaquin Valley and an Excessive Heat Watch is in place from Monday afternoon through Tuesday evening in the valley. Make plans accordingly for early week heat.
National Weather Service Storm Watches and Warnings
