The National Weather Service in Sacramento is advising the public of a sizzling forecast that will see temperatures soaring into triple digits in some areas today and tomorrow, according to an Area Forecast Discussion published today. A Heat Advisory is in effect starting 11 AM today until 11 PM Wednesday, covering the Carquinez Strait and Delta, Sacramento Valley, Northern San Joaquin Valley, and the foothills.
With the mercury expected to hit between 95 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit in the afternoon, and warm nights with lows in the 60s to mid-70s, the National Weather Service warns of "Heat related illnesses that will be possible, especially for groups sensitive to heat." Residents are advised to "stay out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day if possible and stay hydrated," aiming to mitigate the potential impacts of the swelter.
The advisory also notes low relative humidity levels—around 10-20%—which, coupled with breezy north-to-east winds, heightens fire weather concerns. Although dropping below the criteria for a Red Flag Warning, morning north wind gusts are recorded around 10-20 MPH, strongest on the west side of the Valley. By Thursday, though still above seasonal norms, an increased onshore flow and a weak Delta Breeze are expected to bring a slight reprieve from the intense heat.
Looking ahead to the weekend and into early next week, hot, dry conditions are likely to continue under persistent upper-level ridging, with the temperature forecast showing Valley highs in the low to mid-90s and foothills in the mid-80s to low 90s. Even with the "slight breakdown in the ridge," temperatures will run substantially above normal, per the National Blend of Models (NBM), leading to a widespread Moderate HeatRisk across the Valley and foothills. Clusters hint at a possible flattening of the ridge on Tuesday, which could open the door for a return to near or below-normal temperatures, according to the National Weather Service.
Aviation forecasts remain straightforward with VFR conditions expected over the interior of Northern California for the next 24 hours. Some northeasterly surface winds up to 15-20 kts are predicted in the foothills and mountains until 17Z on Tuesday while northwesterly winds up to 15 kts could affect the Delta area until 19Z Tuesday, but other regions shall see surface winds keeping under 12 kts over the next day.
