Northern California forecast: Sierra red flag warning this weekend - KCRA Sacramento

California forecast: Intense heat Friday, Sierra weekend red flag warning

Northern California forecast: Sierra red flag warning this weekend

Portions of Northern California experienced more record-breaking heat on Friday, but some relief from the high temperatures is in sight.

Sacramento hit 111 degrees on Friday, tying the daily record.

Friday also marked the fourth day Sacramento has reached temperatures 110 degrees or higher, which makes a new record.

Saturday will be a transition day in the Valley with temps dropping to around 100 degrees and clouds moving in from the south. These clouds are a sign of monsoonal moisture which will bring higher humidity to the Valley.

Why there is a red flag warning for the Sierra this weekend

This moisture will likely produce isolated sprinkles and dry thunderstorms in the Sierra through Sunday. While most of the activity will be south of Tahoe, we can’t rule out lightning in that area.

A red flag warning will be in effect for the Sierra only on both Saturday and Sunday.

Dry lightning and gusty outflow winds from showers increase the risk of fires starting and spreading in the mountains.

Our weather team is now calling Saturday an Alert Day for the Sierra over the lightning concern. The risk of dry thunderstorms is lower on Sunday so our team is calling this an Impact Day.

Cooler temperatures next week

The Marine influence will be felt in the Valley next week which will keep afternoons in the 90s and overnights in the 60s.

It will be a nice little break from the heat until the next wave arrives, so enjoy it while it lasts.

(Video below: A look at record-breaking heat in Sacramento on July 11.)

Here are more resources for hot conditions

- Here is an updated list of cooling centers to get relief.
- Here is where to find public pools to cool off| Most of the water slides at Sacramento’s city pools are closed. Here’s why
- Want to visit a water park? Here's a list of locations.
- Here's how to know the differences between sunburns, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- How to keep your pets safe amid hot summer temperatures
- How to prevent hot car deaths
- The best way to cool down your car without wasting gas
- Heading to the beach? The gear you use could make a difference
- How hot does playground equipment get during heat wave? Doctors say do the five-second test

Here are key websites that are important for all Californians during wildfire season.

- Cal Fire wildfire incidents: Cal Fire tracks its wildfire incidents here. You can sign up to receive text messages for Cal Fire updates on wildfires happening near your ZIP code here.
- Wildfires on federal land: Federal wildfire incidents are tracked here.
- Preparing for power outages: Ready.gov explains how to prepare for a power outage and what to do when returning from one here. Here is how to track and report PG&E power outages.
- Keeping informed when you've lost power and cellphone service: How to find a National Weather Service radio station near you.
- Be prepared for road closures: Download Caltrans' QuickMap app or check the latest QuickMap road conditions here.

| MORE | A 2024 guide for how to prepare for wildfires in California| Track fire conditions across Northern California regions with our Fire Threat Index

REAL-TIME TRAFFIC MAP Click here to see our interactive traffic map.

TRACK INTERACTIVE, DOPPLER RADAR Click here to see our interactive radar.

DOWNLOAD OUR APP FOR THE LATEST Here is where you can download our app.

Follow our KCRA weather team on social media

- Meteorologist Tamara Berg on X.
- Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn on
- Meteorologist/Climate Reporter Heather Waldman on X.
- Meteorologist Kelly Curran on X.

Watch our forecasts on TV or online

Here's where to find our latest video forecast. You can also watch a livestream of our latest newscast here. The banner on our website turns red when we're live.

We're also streaming on the Very Local app for Roku, Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV.