A prolonged and “extraordinary” heatwave is set to grip the North Bay starting Thursday, with temperatures in Santa Rosa expected to climb into the 90s by early next week.
Per the Press Democrat, meteorologists warn this high-pressure ridge has effectively cancelled any hopes for a “Miracle March,” leaving the Sierra Nevada snowpack at a dismal 53% of its seasonal average. Experts like climate scientist Daniel Swain say the unseasonable warmth is causing snow to melt months ahead of schedule, sounding a major alarm for an early and severe forest fire season.
While local reservoirs like Lake Sonoma remain near capacity due to previous rains, the lack of spring storms may trigger dry-season water protocols for the Russian River as early as mid-April.
State water officials are now facing the difficult task of managing rapid runoff while bracing for a potentially parched summer ahead.