Friday, 7 August 2026, 22:01
Dangerous heat is settling over Northern California this weekend, bringing near-record temperatures and elevated wildfire danger. Forecasters say Saturday will likely be the hottest day, with heat risk peaking across the Sacramento Valley and Burney Basin.
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory from 10 a.m. Friday through 10 p.m. Sunday for the Sacramento Valley and adjacent foothills. Action News Now forecasts highs from 102 to 108 degrees, with portions of the northern Sacramento Valley approaching 110. The San Francisco Chronicle expects 106 to 112 degrees from Redding to Stockton, and warns Sacramento could approach 110, which would rank among the 20 hottest days in the city since the 1940s.
Saturday is forecast to be the hottest day in the north, while the San Joaquin Valley may peak Sunday. Fresno and Bakersfield could reach 112 to 114 degrees, according to the Chronicle.
Hot days will be followed by warm nights. Lows are expected to remain in the 60s in Sacramento, Davis, Vacaville and Stockton, and in the 70s in Chico, Merced, Fresno, Redding and Bakersfield. Foothill communities like Auburn, Grass Valley and Placerville may not drop below 80 degrees.
The National Weather Service warns of moderate to major heat risk, with the greatest danger Saturday. Prolonged heat and warm overnight lows can cause heat-related illness, especially for those without reliable air conditioning or adequate hydration.
In the Burney Basin and Sierra foothills, hot temperatures and low humidity will create elevated fire weather conditions through Sunday. Officials urge residents to avoid outdoor activities that could accidentally spark a wildfire.
Most of Northern California will stay dry and sunny. Isolated thunderstorms are possible along the Sierra crest south of Highway 50, with chances increasing slightly during the weekend.
Forecasters point to a mammoth high-pressure system over the West that will strengthen Thursday and center near the Nevada-Utah border by Friday. The system extends north to British Columbia, east to Texas and far over the Pacific, leaving little escape from heat in interior California. The coast, however, should see sea breezes with San Francisco staying in the 60s and Oakland in the 70s.
Extreme heat is becoming more common due to heat-trapping fossil fuel emissions and urbanization, according to the Chronicle.
One key variable is wildfire smoke. Explosive fire behavior is possible across the region this weekend, and widespread smoke would suppress temperatures and worsen air quality. Smoke from the Gann Fire already blanketed the Sierra foothills Tuesday and capped temperatures about 5 degrees lower than expected.
Temperatures will ease next week, but the heat will not disappear. Highs are expected near 105 Monday, around 102 Tuesday and back near 104 Wednesday and Thursday, with moderate heat risk lingering. Residents should continue to hydrate, check on vulnerable neighbors and avoid sparking fires.
