Forecasters expect triple-digit Sacramento temperatures this week, prompting excessive heat warning

Updated 3:54 p.m.

Scorching triple-digit heat is forecast to hit the Sacramento region between Tuesday and Thursday.

Eric Kurth with the National Weather Service in Sacramento says highs could hit 102 degrees on Tuesday, 104 on Wednesday and 99 on Thursday.

“Confidence is high that this will be a significant heat event for much of the area,” he added.

The weather service has issued an excessive heat warning for both Sacramento and San Joaquin valley areas between 11 a.m. Tuesday and 8 p.m. on Thursday. Forecasters warn that “heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.” 

Kurth said those most impacted by high heat are laborers, older adults, children and people with health issues.

“Under an Excessive Heat Warning, people are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room and check-up on vulnerable neighbors and relatives,” he added.

Weather service forecasters are also warning that “area waterways will continue to run cold and fast, creating dangerous conditions for those seeking relief in rivers and lakes.”

Forecasters say there will also be elevated fire risk Tuesday and Wednesday because of gusty north winds in the Central Valley and into the adjacent foothills. Over the weekend, the Corral Fire southwest of Tracy grew to 14,168 acres, forced evacuations, closed roads, destroyed one home and injured two firefighters. On Monday morning, Cal Fire announced the fire was 75% contained and all evacuation orders had been downgraded to warnings.

Evacuation orders downgraded as firefighters make progress on Corral Fire near Tracy

Temperatures are expected to remain warm through the week, but will cool down toward the weekend.

“Later in the week we get a bit of a cooling,” Kurth said. “[It’s] still going to be quite hot but we're seeing that moderate heat risk for Friday and Saturday turning to minor heat risks for Sunday.”

The city of Sacramento will open two respite centers ahead of the anticipated triple-digit heat. Both locations will offer air conditioning, water and device charging services. 

• The city’s Outreach and Engagement Center at 3615 Auburn Blvd. will be open between 10 a.m. Tuesday and 8 a.m. on Friday. Pets are accepted and storage is available for personal belongings.
• The Sam & Bonnie Pannell Community Center at 2450 Meadowview Road will be open between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday. Pets are not accepted and storage is “limited to what visitors can carry with them,” city officials said.

The city of Elk Grove plans to open a respite center with Sacramento County at the Wackford Community Complex on Bruceville Road. The center will be open from noon to 9 p.m. between Tuesday and Thursday, and city officials say a “limited number” of pet crates will also be made available for visitors.

Sacramento Regional Transit is providing free rides to and from these cooling centers. Riders must present this flier to fare collectors to be eligible for the free ride.