Sacramento woke up to clear skies and a refreshingly cool Wednesday morning on July 15, but the break will be short-lived. Forecasters expect temperatures to rocket into triple digits this afternoon, with much of the Valley topping out near 101°F. The peak heat looks set to land right on top of the late-afternoon commute, so timing your errands could make a big difference.
Afternoon Peak And Timing
Thermometers are expected to climb quickly through the day, with hourly outlooks putting temperatures near 99°F by midafternoon. The hottest stretch should hit between about 4 and 5 p.m., when readings are forecast to peak around 101°F.
Light south-southwest winds, generally around 2 to 9 mph, will do little more than shuffle the hot air around. Humidity will stay low, which tends to make the afternoon feel even hotter. Overnight, temperatures are forecast to back off into the low 60s, offering at least some relief before the next day’s heat.
Mountain Storms Bring Fire Concerns
While the Valley bakes, a surge of monsoonal moisture is lining up to spark thunderstorms over the Sierra and nearby mountains this afternoon and evening. Most of those storms are expected to produce rain, but forecasters warn that a few could be comparatively dry, dropping lightning with very little rainfall.
That dry lightning can ignite new fires, and when combined with gusty outflow winds around the storms, it adds up to elevated fire-weather concerns in the high country, according to National Weather Service Sacramento.
Cooler Thursday, Then Weekend Uncertainty
Onshore flow is projected to strengthen Thursday and Friday, shaving Valley highs back into the low to mid 90s. A high near 94°F is expected Thursday, easing further into the upper 80s to around 91°F by Friday.
That cooldown might be brief. Another push of monsoonal moisture late this weekend could bring back the threat of mountain thunderstorms. If you have hiking, camping, or travel plans in the foothills or Sierra, it is a good idea to keep an eye on updated forecasts.
Where To Find Relief
If you do not have air conditioning at home, Sacramento County has activated hot-weather respite centers. Check Sacramento County for locations and hours.
Health officials recommend staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the afternoon, checking on elderly or vulnerable neighbors, and bringing pets indoors so they are not stuck in the heat.
