Northern California Forecast: Hot and Dry Weekend Forecast for Sacramento Area

As the high-pressure system holds, temperatures are expected to remain well above average with light winds.Photo byJason MavrommatisonUnsplash

Sacramento is in for a hot and dry weekend, with temperatures rising 8-12 degrees above normal due to high pressure over the region. The National Weather Service in Hanford reports that this weather pattern will continue through the weekend, keeping fire weather concerns low for now, but increasing winds early next week could elevate fire risks.

As the high-pressure system holds, temperatures are expected to remain well above average with light winds. However, a modest cooldown is on the horizon, starting Sunday, as an upper low passes through the Pacific Northwest. This will bring breezy conditions through the Delta and initiate a shift in wind direction from westerly to northerly by Sunday night.

The biggest concern arrives Monday, when northerly winds combined with low relative humidity (RH) values could lead to elevated fire risks. Gusts up to 25 mph and RH values dropping to 10-20% are expected. The combination of these conditions may create an environment conducive to fire spread, particularly in the afternoon.

While temperatures are expected to gradually moderate by the middle of next week, residents should remain alert to changing conditions and fire weather warnings as the winds increase early in the week.