Sacramento braces for triple digit heat, possible hottest day of the year
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- Sacramento forecasts triple-digit heat through weekend, peaking near 102 degrees.
- Moderate heat risk targets Central Valley; vulnerable groups face highest risk.
- City to open cooling centers, offers free transit and water to ease heat effects.
Triple-digit temperatures are nearly back in Sacramento — setting up for what could be the hottest day of the year in the capital region.
Sacramento is expected to enter a stretch of triple-digit temperatures beginning Thursday, as a heat wave builds across Northern California, according to the National Weather Service. Highs will likely reach up to 102 degrees Thursday and Friday in the city, with temperatures hovering near the century mark across the region through the weekend.
There is also a roughly 50% to 65% possibility that the city exceeds 102 degrees and experiences its hottest day of the year, said Dakari Anderson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Sacramento office. The city has reached that high only four days this year.
“We have seen a little bit of a cooler trend, especially compared to last year. ... So, definitely an uptick from the weather we’ve seen this summer,” Anderson said.
A moderate heat risk is forecast through Saturday for much of the Central Valley, including Stockton and Modesto. Anderson said temperatures across the greater region — Modesto to Shasta County — are expected to range from 95 to 107 degrees.
Temperatures in the normal get-away spots around Northern California will also be sizzling.
The foothills will see similarly hot conditions. Thursday is forecast to top out near 98 degrees in Auburn, with a light breeze developing by afternoon. Friday and Saturday could each hit around or at 100 degrees.
In the high Sierra and around Lake Tahoe, conditions will be noticeably cooler. Areas on the lake are expected to reach the low 80s Thursday and Friday, with a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms Friday. By Saturday, the chance of storms increases to 50%, with highs again near 81 at South Lake Tahoe. Overnight lows will stay in the upper 50s to low 60s.
The Bay Area will experience a modest warmup. San Francisco temperatures are forecast to peak around 77 on Thursday, cooling slightly into the weekend with highs in the low 70s, the weather service said.
The National Weather Service defines moderate heat risk as conditions that may impact heat-sensitive individuals, especially those without access to air conditioning or proper hydration. People most at risk include children, older adults, those who are pregnant and individuals with chronic illnesses.
“Take a precaution while you’re outside, taking breaks, finding shade, wearing lightweight and loose fitting clothing,” Anderson said. “And, also, if you want to try avoiding strenuous activities, moving them from the afternoon to more early morning or later in the evening.”
In response to the heat, both the city of Sacramento and Sacramento County will activate weather respite centers to provide safe, air-conditioned shelter for residents.
The Outreach and Engagement Center, 3615 Auburn Blvd., will operate from 10 a.m. Friday through 8 a.m. Sunday. The site offers water, phone charging, air-conditioning and accepts pets. Limited personal storage is available.
The Sam & Bonnie Pannell Community Center, 2450 Meadowview Road, will also open Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pets are not allowed at this location, and storage is limited to items visitors can carry.
The city’s partnership with Sacramento Regional Transit allows for free rides to and from cooling centers during their operation. Libraries and community centers across the region will also remain open during regular hours for those needing relief from the heat.
Warren E. Thornton Youth Center, 4000 Branch Center Road, will be open around the clock from 1 p.m. Thursday to 10 a.m. Monday for adults with room for as many as 100 people. Pets are allowed if crated; crates and food are provided. Amenities include cots, blankets, showers, meals, water, snacks and phone charging.
The Citrus Heights Police Department lobby, 6315 Fountain Square Drive, will be open on days when temperatures exceed 100 degrees, between noon and 8 p.m.
The Modesto Bee’s Angela Rodriguez contributed to this story.
This story was originally published August 20, 2025 at 2:49 PM.
