Parts of Northern California face ‘elevated fire risks’ as high temperatures sweep region

Scorching temperatures and gusty winds could lead to “ elevated fire risks ” in parts of Northern California, according to the National Weather Service.

The region can expect wind gusts of 15 to 25 mph and daytime humidity levels of 10% to 20% on Monday, Sept. 23, the agency wrote in a post on X.

Humidity levels will rise to 20% to 50% overnight, the weather service said.

Those factors, coupled with heat, “play a role in making those fuels more susceptible” to fire, according to Kate Forrest, meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Forrest said the areas most at risk for wildfires are mostly in the northern Sacramento Valley, along the Interstate 5 corridor in Sacramento and in the northeastern Sierra Nevada foothills.

Due to the risk of “earlier fire starts,” the agency urged Northern California residents to avoid activities that can ignite blazes.

That means keeping vehicles off dry grass, not using outdoor equipment that creates sparks and properly disposing of cigarettes and matches.

Here’s what is in store for the Sacramento area:

Sacramento area under moderate heat risk

Hot temperatures could be especially taxing for some folks, according to the weather service.

The agency warned of “moderate heat risk” in the Valley on Monday and Tuesday.

“This level of heat affects most individuals sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration,” the weather service said, urging people to say in a cool place during the hottest part of the day.

What’s in the weather forecast for Sacramento?

Monday will be sunny and hot in Sacramento with a high temperature near 96 degrees and an overnight low around 64 degrees, according to the National Weather Service’s latest seven-day forecast .

More hot weather is forecast for Tuesday, when the temperature could creep into the triple digits, Forrest said.

As of Monday, the high was forecast to reach 99, with a low of 62.

Wednesday will have a high near 86 and a low around 58.

Temperatures began rising again on Thursday, which will have a high near 89 and a low around 61.

The high on Friday will be near 94, while the low will be around 62.

Clear skies are expected over the weekend, with highs near 93 on Saturday and Sunday and lows around 60.

Will hot weather continue?

Despite a recent dip in temperatures , Forrest said the Sacramento area is in for warmer, dryer weather for “the next seven days and beyond that point.”

“I feel the pain,” Forrest said. “I was very much enjoying that cooler weather.”

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, above-normal temperatures are expected into early October, she said.

What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com .