Northern California forecast: Triple-digit heat expected Sunday, Monday
A stubborn high-pressure ridge continues to dominate Northern California, setting the stage for another very hot weekend. Sacramento and the surrounding valley are eyeing daytime highs around 100 to 101 degrees, with San Francisco reaching the mid to upper 70s. The heat won’t just be confined to the valley—if you’re planning outdoor activities, expect widespread warmth across the region.
Air quality remains variable. In the valley, air quality ranges from good to moderate, while the foothills and Sierra Nevada climb into the moderate to unhealthy-for-sensitive-groups category. If you have COPD, asthma, or other lung conditions, you’ll want to limit strenuous activity in the Sierra and monitor local air alerts. Smoke from a fire east of Fresno is contributing visible haze for the foothills and higher elevations, an issue that’s likely to persist into tomorrow morning.
Seven-day outlook and notable changes:
– Today and tomorrow: Hot across the valley, with high temperatures in the 100s. These will be impact days for outdoor plans, so plan accordingly with shade, hydration, and sun protection.
– Tuesday: A slight cooldown is possible, but the heat returns in the following days.
– Tuesday into Thursday: Odds of showers and thunderstorms increase in the Sierra and higher terrain, bringing some relief and the potential for localized gusty winds.
– Wednesday and Thursday: Highs remain in the upper 90s across much of the valley, with continued heat across inland areas.
– Friday into next weekend: A trough of low pressure approaches from the west, helping to bring a dip in temperatures and the return of Delta breezes. Expect cooler conditions and a gradual relief from the peak heat by next weekend.
– Next weekend: Looks noticeably nicer, with a cooler, more comfortable pattern possible in many areas.
Water and outdoor safety tips:
– If you’re heading to lakes or the ocean, bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and wear a life jacket when on open water.
– Stay hydrated and take breaks in shade or air-conditioned spaces during peak heat hours.
– Check air quality updates, especially if you have lung conditions; consider postponing strenuous outdoor activities if air quality deteriorates.
What’s driving the heat:
– A persistent ridge of high pressure is the main culprit, keeping temperatures well above seasonal norms.
– A nearby trough approaches later in the week, which should nudge temperatures down and bring variable winds, including the return of delta breezes.
Overall takeaway:
Expect a hot weekend in Northern California with temperatures well into the 100s in many valleys. Some relief is on the horizon toward the end of the week as a low-pressure trough edges in, but for now the emphasis is on heat safety, hydration, and watching air quality in the higher elevations. If you can, plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon and keep an eye on local advisories for any updates. Positive note: the pattern shifts gradually toward more comfortable conditions by next weekend, offering a welcome cooling trend.