Sacramento Valley faces higher wildfire risk this week. Here’s the latest forecast

Wind gusts in the Sacramento Valley are picking up this week, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a fire weather watch for the region.

The watch, which began Wednesday evening, lasts until 6 p.m. Thursday. The weather service is warning people of gusty winds, going up to 36 mph, and low humidity. The warning stretches as far east as western Placer County.

According to the announcement, the highest threat is western edge of the Valley, mainly along Interstate 5 and the coastal foothills.

“The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity,” the service stated. “Outdoor burning is not recommended.”

It’s also advising people to properly dispose matches and cigarettes, avoid using equipment that makes sparks and don’t park cars on dry vegetation.

Forecasts show that Wednesday will be sunny with a high near 84 degrees in the capital city and Thursday will be near 83 degrees. Lows are in the mid-50s. Temperatures are expected to steadily drop into the weekend with highs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday around 80 degrees.

This story was originally published September 19, 2023 at 3:06 PM.