Temperatures drop but fire risk increases from Saturday

Lina Portman3 weeks ago

0 1 minute read

Although the weekend will still be hot, it will be much cooler than Tuesday's triple-digit heat, but the change in configuration will also increase the risk of fires.

SACRAMENTO, California —

Another hot day is in store for Wednesday, but not as hot as Tuesday.

Downtown Sacramento recorded a high temperature of 104 degrees, Redding 106, Red Bluff 107, Vacaville 102, Marysville 102, Stockton 101 and Modesto 99.

Increased overland flow Wednesday will keep things slightly cooler, especially in the southern Sacramento Valley and northern San Joaquin Valley. An excessive heat warning is still in effect until this evening for areas north of Interstate 80.

A strong delta breeze will return Wednesday evening, allowing temperatures to cool pleasantly Wednesday evening.

Thursday will be a pleasant day in Northern California, with temperatures only reaching the upper 80s, rising to around 90 in the Valley, before rising to the mid-90s on Friday.

By Saturday, the winds will change and will now blow from the north. This type of weather condition is conducive to fires, especially as summer progresses and vegetation continues to dry out. Satellite images show how dry the state has become since May 1, when there was still a considerable amount of greenery in the valley and foothills.

The strongest winds and lowest humidity values will occur on Sunday and Monday. Humidity values will drop into the tens and even single digits for some locations with wind gusts of 25 to 35 mph. Gusty winds, particularly on the west side of the valley, will increase the risk of fires spreading quickly.

So far this year, nearly 42,000 acres have burned this year in California, nearly 20 times more than the same time last year, according to CAL FIRE. The 5-year average over that same time period is 27,107 acres, so this fire season is off to a quick start.

Most of the acres burned this year are in the valley and lower foothills. Below-average wildfire potential is expected in California through July thanks to the slightly above-average rainy season, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Normal conditions are favored in August and September.

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