Sacramento area at elevated fire risk, National Weather Service warns

Sacramento will see elevated fire risk Sunday through Wednesday due to isolated mountain thunderstorm chances, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast Office in Sacramento. The greatest potential is Monday and Tuesday south of Interstate 80.

The NWS warned of possible lightning starts and gusty outflow winds. It expects these weather conditions to hit the Sierra mountains, along the crest.

The fire risk is “minor and highly dependent on any storms that develop,” said NWS meteorologist Sara Purdue.

Purdue explained monsoonal moisture is set to enter the area, creating a risk for thunderstorms.

“With the recent high temperatures and dry weather, thunderstorms present some elevated fire weather risk, largely due to any lightning that happens outside of the storms,” she said.

The risk for thunderstorms falls on Sunday through Tuesday, with “some lingering chances” on Wednesday, Purdue continued. That probability dropped in the most recent forecast, she said.

Sunday sees the highest chance for dry lightning, according to Purdue, but storms are more likely Monday and Tuesday. The NWS expects these storms to be wetter, which lowers fire risk. Purdue noted lightning can strike well outside of the center of a thunderstorm, however.

The NWS warned residents to keep vehicles off dry grass, properly dispose of cigarettes and matches and avoid using outdoor equipment that creates sparks.

“When there’s higher… fire weather potential, make sure that you are weather aware, that you have a plan in place in case you get any kind of instructions from local officials and just (be) ready to go in case something happens,” Purdue said.

The NWS issued safety information on wildfires due to lightning: shelter indoors if you hear thunder or see lightning, walk or drive away immediately and call 911 if you see a wildfire and always have an emergency plan for if a fire starts near you. You should leave as soon as evacuation is recommended by officials, locate pets and ensure your emergency kit is in your vehicle, the forecast office advised.

Sunday to Thursday, the city will also experience moderate heat risk, the NWS reported. This level affects most individuals sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. To stay safe, the forecast office advised residents to stay in a cool place during the heat of the day.

Temperatures will follow a warming trend through mid-week, according to the NWS report. There is moderate heat risk Sunday through Thursday, with Tuesday and Wednesday expected to be the warmest days.

The report indicates maximum temperatures within the county will exceed 100 degrees. The highest expected maximum is Redding on Wednesday, at 105 degrees. Temperatures will gradually cool Thursday onward.

With warm days ahead, the NWS encourages residents to stay hydrated, wear sun protection and beware of cold waterways.

For additional information, visit weath.gov/sto or contact w-sto.webmaster@noaa.gov.

This story was originally published July 12, 2026 at 1:59 PM.