Bakersfield, California, is less than 100 miles from the coastline, but temperatures are 30 degrees warmer. At this rate, the temperature changes by more than a quarter of a degree per mile.

The TemperatureRadar shows a sharp gradient between the coast and the Central Valley in California. Topography and wind direction both play a part.

First, along the coast, winds are blowing off the cool Pacific waters. Currently, water temperatures are in the chilly 50s due to the water current's circulation bringing cold water down from the north. These winds keep California's coast much cooler than further inland.

Secondly, the Central Valley's topography is exactly that - a valley. This area tends to be much warmer, especially during times of high pressure, due to dense sinking air heating up and dispersing throughout the valley.

A heatwave is building in the West. While temperatures will increase all over California, some will still be comfortable thanks to the coastal winds and higher elevation.