Triple-digit heat returns to Sacramento this weekend. Here’s what to expect.

Sacramento is expected to see triple-digit heat this weekend after a cooler-than-normal start to August. 

Widespread moderate heat risk will return to the area Saturday and Sunday, the National Weather Service said, with hot and dry conditions. 

Highs in the Sacramento Valley could reach 103 and 106 degrees on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. The forecasted highs for the foothills and mountains are slightly lower at 97 degrees for Saturday and the 103 degrees for Sunday. 

Certain local areas may see major heat risk on Sunday, said Idamis Del Valle-Shoemaker, a meteorologist with the weather service in Sacramento. Overnight lows could remain in the upper and mid-to-upper 60s, contributing to potentially higher heat risk, she added. Warmer overnight weather can prevent people from recovering from daytime temperatures and increase the risk of heat exhaustion.

Del Valle-Shoemaker recommended sensitive groups, those spending time outdoors and anyone without adequate cooling take precautions. Groups who are more vulnerable to heat-related illness include children, elderly people and those living with chronic illnesses. Drinking water frequently and staying in a cool place during the hottest part of the day can help. 

Tips to stay cool and safe during Sacramento heat waves

High pressure over the region will cause the higher-than-normal temperatures, Del Valle-Shoemaker said. While relative humidity levels are expected to be lower in the northern than southern portions of the valley, the weather service has not issued any fire weather warnings. 

“We could be seeing some locally elevated fire weather conditions across the northern Sacramento Valley because of the hot and dry conditions this weekend,” Del Valle-Shoemaker said. “But overall, we don't have major fire weather concerns for the next seven days.”

After the hot weather remains Monday, Del Valle-Shoemaker said temperatures could trend downward next week. Tuesday could bring highs ranging from the upper 80s to low 90s.  

Through at least October, Del Valle-Shoemaker said the Climate Prediction Center forecasts above normal temperatures. But she said the seasonal temperature outlook doesn’t account for heatwaves, which forecasters see in seven-to-10-day outlooks. 

So far this year, Downtown Sacramento has recorded 14 days of triple-digit temperatures, according to weather service data. By Aug. 2 last year, it had recorded 23 days of such weather.