Triple-digit temperatures forecast in Northern CA, Central Valley. How to keep cool

Mother’s Day weekend will bring higher-than-normal temperatures to much of Northern and Central California, according to the National Weather Service.

Cities including Sacramento, Modesto, Chico, Redding and Stockton could see temperatures soar as high as 100 degrees, the weather service said in an X post on Friday, May 8.

The weather service on Friday issued heat advisories for parts of the Sacramento Valley and San Joaquin Valley.

Here’s how hot it could get, and when:

How long will heat advisory last?

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory on Friday for portions of Stanislaus, Butte, Colusa and Glenn counties.

The heat advisory will remain in effect from 11 a.m. Monday, May 11, through 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, the weather service said.

Affected communities include the cities of Modesto and Turlock.

Temperatures as high as 100 degrees are expected with widespread moderate heat risk, the weather service said. “Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses, especially for those more sensitive to heat.”

A moderate heat risk affects most individuals sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling or adequate hydration the weather agency reports.

The weather service issued a similar heat advisory that affects much of the San Joaquin Valley, including the cities of Fresno, Merced, Bakersfield, Porterville and Visalia.

Temperatures could soar as high as 102 degrees in those communities with “widespread” moderate heat risk expected, the agency said.

“Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses, the weather service said.

What’s the weather forecast for Sacramento?

According to the National Weather Service’s latest forecast for Sacramento, the City of Trees will see daytime high temperatures around 90 degrees throughout the weekend.

The high temperature could hit 90 degrees on Saturday. The low temperature will be around 55.

On Sunday, May 10 — Mother’s Day — the high will be near 88 with a low around 58.

How hot will it get in Modesto?

The weather forecast for Modesto calls for a high of 91 degrees on Saturday, with a low around 58.

On Sunday, expect temperatures to reach a high of about 94 degrees and a low around 62.

Starting Monday, temperatures in Modesto could reach the triple digits, according to the National Weather Service.

What is the forecast for Fresno? Merced?

Fresno will see sunny skies over the weekend with a high around 92 on Saturday, and a low around 64, the National Weather Service said in its latest seven-day forecast.

Sunday’s high is expected to reach 95, while the low will drop to 66.

Monday and Tuesday will see highs of around 101 and lows of around 70.

The weather agency’s forecast for Merced calls for a high of 91 degrees on Saturday, with a low of around 59.

On Sunday, the temperature is expected to climb to 94 degrees, with a low around 61.

On Monday, the high could reach 101 degrees while the low will dip down to 66.

How to protect yourself from heat-related illness

The National Weather Service recommends:

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Find cool shelter
• Stay out of the sun and check in on neighbors and family members
• Never leave young children and pets unattended in vehicles
• Exercise in the early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler
• Wear loose-fitting clothing in order to stay cool
• If your job requires you to work outdoors take frequent breaks in a shaded or air-conditioned environment
• Stay sun safe by applying sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapplying every two hours

Symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke

According to the Mayo Clinic, dehydration occurs when the body lacks water, and is particularly common during exposure to high temperatures. Some signs of dehydration include:

• Extreme thirst
• Fatigue
• Dizziness and confusion
• Less frequent urination and/or dark-colored urine
• Sunken eyes or cheeks
• Skin that doesn’t flatten back right away when pinched

In infants and young children, symptoms of dehydration can also include dry mouth and tongue, and lack of tears while crying.

The American Heart Association lists symptoms of heat stroke:

• High body temperature (103 degrees or higher)
• Hot, red, dry or damp skin
• Fast, strong pulse
• Headache, dizziness and confusion
• Nausea
• Passing out

What to do if you experience heat-related illness

The Mayo Clinic recommends seeking medical attention if you or someone:

• Has had diarrhea for 24 hours or more
• Is cranky or confused
• Is sleepier or less active than usual
• Can’t keep fluids down
• Has bloody or black stool
• Has a fever of 102 degrees or higher

This story was originally published May 8, 2026 at 2:29 PM.