SACRAMENTO, Calif —
The hottest temperatures of the year so far are on the way next week with triple-digit temperatures likely.
The end of this week will kick off the start of a sustained stretch of summer-like heat for Northern California. High pressure will begin to dominate the weather pattern, a sign that summer-like weather is here to stay through the extended forecast.
Fire danger will be elevated on Wednesday and Thursday due to the combination of hot temperatures, low relative humidity and gusty northern winds. The risk will be greatest in the northern Sacramento Valley and surrounding foothills but expect gusty winds throughout the valley.
High temperatures across Northern California will rise on Thursday and Friday but widespread 100-degree temperatures will have to wait until next week. Mid 90s are forecast both Thursday and Friday in the valley but the return of onshore flow on Friday will lower fire danger.
This weekend will see a cooling trend thanks to the influence of low pressure over the area. As a result, temperatures will drop but will remain a few degrees above normal through the weekend. Temperatures will be in the upper 80s to around 90 from Sacramento south and lower 90s are forecast for the rest of the Sacramento Valley. Sierra high temperatures will be in the 70s this weekend.
By early next week, a strong ridge of high pressure will build into the Western U.S. and California will see temperatures rise. The Climate Prediction Center has issued a high risk of excessive heat for next week throughout the entire Central Valley.
Sacramento typically has its first 100 degree day on June 5, so if the thermometer reaches 100 next week it would be right about average based on data since 1990. So far, the hottest temperature in Sacramento was 95 degrees, recorded on May 11. Sacramento didn’t record a 100-degree day until the last day of June.
Wednesday is currently forecast to be the hottest day of the week and therefore the greatest chance of reaching 100 degrees, although Tuesday and Thursday possess the chance as well.
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