Summer heat is here: Sacramento will approach 100 degrees in late May swelter
A hot weekend and an even hotter start to next week are coming to Northern California, with Sacramento expected to approach 100 degrees in the next few days.
After highs of 84 degrees Thursday and a breezy Friday with a high near 80, the capital will surge to the upper 80s by Saturday and low 90s by Sunday, according to the latest National Weather Service forecasts.
Next Monday, Memorial Day, is predicted to hit 97 degrees, while Tuesday and Wednesday could each hit 99, the NWS says.
Each day will approach daily all-time highs that have stood for decades. The record for Monday and Wednesday’s dates are 100 degrees, while Tuesday’s date has a record of 101. The May 25-27 records were set in 1951, 1976 and 1984, respectively, with NWS records dating back to 1942.
The historical average for this time of year in Sacramento is about 82 degrees.
It’s yet another quick turnaround for the area, which saw scattered showers and thunderstorms pass through earlier this week as temperatures dipped into the low 70s. A week earlier, from May 7 to May 9, temperatures at Sacramento Executive Airport hit the mid-90s on three consecutive days.
Temperatures will be similar in the northern Sacramento Valley, including Chico and Redding, which are usually a few degrees warmer than the capital city. Chico is also forecast to hit 97 on Memorial Day; Redding should reach about 98.
It’ll be warm and sunny in South Lake Tahoe, but you’re not allowed to visit from out of town unless you own property there, due to coronavirus-related health orders remaining in place to deter travelers during the pandemic. Highs will increase from 65 degrees there on Saturday to the high 70s by Memorial Day, perhaps even hitting the 80s by middle of next week.
The NWS reminds those going outdoors Memorial Day weekend that despite the heat, California’s waterways run fast and cold this time of year and that those going out on the water should always wear a life jacket.
Those spending time outdoors should also be sure to stay well-hydrated.
