Abnormal heat leading to harsh conditions in Southern California, with fresh wildfires sparking up

Breaking News: Multiple Fires Ravage California as Extreme Weather Conditions Persist

California is currently battling a series of wildfires, with the most significant being the Pickett fire in Napa County. The fire, which started on Thursday, has now spread to 4,690 acres and is being managed by about 1,200 fire personnel.

The Pickett fire has so far spared any reported structural damages or injuries. However, fire evacuations have been necessary due to the intensified weather conditions.

Elsewhere in the state, the Parks fire in Alameda County has burned 113 acres with 75% containment. The Little fire in Kern County has burned 300 acres. A third fire broke out Saturday morning near Table Mountain, west of Wrightwood.

In response to the potential fire risks, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has prepared and coordinated resources to support the Los Angeles Fire Department. They have deployed teams and issued warnings, and the Los Angeles Fire Department has pre-deployed resources including 10 fire engines, two water tenders, two bulldozers, one helicopter, two hand crews, three dispatchers, and one Incident Management Team.

Mayor Karen Bass has urged Angelenos to limit their time outdoors if possible, check on their neighbors, and stay cool as the Extreme Heat Warning is extended through the weekend. L.A. County is providing cooling centers at several recreation centers and libraries.

The red flag warning is in effect until Sunday at 9 p.m. and temperatures are expected to range between 98 and 110 degrees. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for portions of Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. Santa Clarita Valley, the San Gabriel Mountains, and the Antelope Valley foothills are under critical fire warning until Saturday at 9 p.m.

Showers and thunderstorms are possible over the Los Angeles and Ventura County mountains, and portions of the Antelope Valley, during the afternoon and evening hours through Monday. This storm is expected to move toward Palmdale, Lancaster, and Vincent, and residents may experience sudden strong winds, blowing dust, and dangerous lightning. A high alert for possible thunderstorms was issued near Pearblossom in the Antelope Valley.

The recent fires and extreme weather conditions follow a week of high temperatures across California. Some emergency room doctors and nurses who are versed in climate change want more recognition of the ways overheating can precipitate ER visits for heart, respiratory, and kidney disease.

Jasmine Mendez is following California's weather conditions closely. For updates and more information, stay tuned.

Abnormal heat leading to harsh conditions in Southern California, with fresh wildfires sparking up