SACRAMENTO, Calif —
Although temperatures will be right around average the next few days, the presence of a low pressure system to the north will result in critical fire weather conditions through Tuesday.
The most dangerous fire weather days will be Sunday and Monday; however, the risk continues into Tuesday morning. The Red Flag Warning is in effect for the delta, portions of the valley (particularly the western Sacramento valley) and adjacent foothills. The Warning now expires at 8 a.m. on Tuesday for the previously listed areas.
The Sacramento area and Sierra foothills are not included in this warning, but fire safety remains important at all times.
Numerous fires have already broken out this weekend in the valley and foothills due to the weather conditions and dry fuels. On Sunday, the Excelsior Fire near Mather prompted evacuations. It's burned more than 800 acres due to fast-moving winds, according to fire officials.
Relative humidity values will be low through Tuesday thanks to the continued presence of north winds. When winds blow from the north in Northern California, they blow over the mountains and dry out and warm up as they descend. Wednesday will see winds shift back to the south/southwest, which will blow moist coastal air into the valley, raising relative humidity values. Humidity values will be in the teens throughout the day with the driest day being Monday. Monday will also be the windiest day of the week so the risk of rapid spread with any fire starts will be elevated.
High temperatures will be in the upper 80s on Monday and will hover around 90 through Thursday. A return to widespread triple-digit heat is expected to return by Saturday, although portions of the central and northern Sacramento Valley are forecast to reach 100 by Friday.
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