Gusty winds to follow record-high Sacramento heat this weekend. Here’s what to expect

Gusty winds are expected to pass through the Sacramento Valley this weekend after temperatures in the capital region are forecast to reach record highs, according to the National Weather Service.

Between Saturday and Sunday, winds from the north will gust as high as 50 mph, according to the weather service, prompting meteorologists there to issue a wind advisory from 5 a.m. Saturday to 5 p.m. Sunday.

“It could be higher a little bit further north, around Chico and Redding, that part of the valley looks like it will see the highest winds, but we’re seeing things trend upward,” said meteorologist Anna Wanless with the weather service.

The weather service said “these winds following a few days of heat will lead to elevated fire weather concerns” and to avoid outdoor burning.

Wanless said Sacramento is not at a red flag warning for high gusty winds — but that could always change.

A red flag warning isn’t solely based on wind. Humidity levels and vegetation conditions are also considered, and Wanless said the region hasn’t reached that point.

People should watch out for blown debris, difficult driving conditions, broken trees, power outages and the potential for fires. Burn piles are also discouraged. To prepare around your house, secure loose objects, avoid burning outdoors and use caution when driving near trucks, buses and towing vehicles, according a weather service post on Twitter.

“If this was later in the summer, where if that fire would start, it would rapidly spread,” Wanless said.

And the rain in March and the slight chance of rain Monday will help quell fire weather concerns.

“The systems that comes in after the wind, it will raise those humidities, I mean any rain that we get helps us as far as those type of concerns,” Wanless said. “So it’s not looking like a lot of rain, but really we’re grateful for any rain we get.”

This story was originally published April 7, 2022 at 10:29 AM.