Heat wave forecast in Northern California, Central Valley. How hot will it get?
Triple-digit temperatures are returning to parts of California as a heat wave builds across the state.
After a brief stretch of “cooler temperatures with breezy onshore winds,” forecasters said a warming trend will send temperatures soaring across Northern California and the Central Valley.
According to the National Weather Service, cities including Sacramento, Modesto, Merced and Fresno could see temperatures climb to 100 degrees or higher.
“Widespread moderate to locally major HeatRisk will bring about the potential need for heat headlines as we go further into the week,” the National Weather Service said.
With breezy winds, low humidity and rising temperatures in the forecast for Northern California and the Central Valley, the weather agency said, there is “increasing confidence in critical fire weather conditions.”
Here’s when the hottest temperatures are expected to arrive, and where fire risks could be elevated:
When will heat return to Northern California, Central Valley?
A brief stretch of cooler temperatures and breezy winds is expected to continue through Tuesday, June 9, according to the National Weather Service.
However, that cooldown won’t last long.
A significant warming trend will begin midweek, sending temperatures soaring across Northern California and the Central Valley.
By Wednesday, June 10, many lower-elevation communities could see highs reach or exceed 100 degrees, with moderate to major heat risk expected to persist into the weekend.
Areas expected to be affected include Sacramento, Modesto, Merced and Fresno, along with other valley and foothill communities.
Where are wildfire risks in California?
As temperatures rise and winds pick up, forecasters said there will be elevated wildfire danger across parts of Northern California.
According to the National Weather Service, “critical fire weather conditions” are expected in portions of the Sacramento Valley on Wednesday and Thursday, June 11.
A red flag warning has been issued from 11 a.m. Wednesday through 5 p.m. Thursday for areas north of Sacramento County, including Shasta County, Glenn County, Colusa County, Butte County, Sutter County, Yuba County and Yolo County.
“The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity,” the National Weather Service said. “Outdoor burning is not recommended.”
Meanwhile, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. has warned that the heightened fire danger could lead to Public Safety Power Shutoffs in some areas to help reduce the risk of wildfire ignition.
Residents in affected communities should monitor forecasts and prepare for the possibility of power outages on Wednesday, June 10, through Friday, June 12.
What’s in the forecast for Sacramento?
The National Weather Service’s current weather forecast for Sacramento shows a slight chance of rain and cooler temperatures before heat returns to the region next week.
Forecasters said there was a 20% chance of showers on Monday, June 8, with light winds between 5 and 11 mph. Gusts could reach 18 to 20 mph.
On Monday, temperatures were expected to reach a high near 84 degrees, with an overnight low around 58 degrees.
By Tuesday, clear, sunny skies are forecast, with a high near 88 degrees and a low around 59. Winds around 5 mph will sweep through the region.
The National Weather Service said moderate heat risk is expected, starting Wednesday, June 10.
Wednesday’s forecast calls for a high near 97 degrees and a low around 66. Winds could range from 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
On Thursday, the forecast shows temperatures ranging from a high near 102 and a low near 101.
Sacramento residents could expect a high near 101 and a low of about 64 on Friday.
Moderate heat risk is predicted to continue through the weekend, when high temperatures could reach 101 on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
How hot will it get in Modesto?
The weather forecast for Modesto shows a similar warming trend.
Monday’s high was expected to reach 84 degrees, with lows around 60. Winds could range from 5 to 13 mph, with gusts up to 23 mph.
Temperatures will climb to 86 degrees on Tuesday before moderate heat risk returns Wednesday.
The low on Tuesday will be around 61.
Wednesday’s forecast calls for a high near 97 and a low of about 66 degrees,
Triple-digit temperatures are expected to arrive on Thursday and persist through at least Sunday, June 14.
When will the heat peak in Merced and Fresno?
Forecasters said moderate heat risk is expected across the Merced and Fresno areas from Wednesday through Sunday, June 14.
The hottest temperatures are forecast Thursday and Friday, when highs could reach around 100 degrees in Merced and 102 degrees in Fresno.
