Near-100-degree heat, fire danger headed to Sonoma, Napa counties this weekend
Hot, dry conditions are expected to develop in Sonoma and Napa counties by Friday, prompting weather officials to issue safety warnings for the weekend. Here’s how hot it will get.
A surge of heat arriving by Friday is expected to push temperatures in parts of the North Bay to near triple digits, prompting forecasters to warn of moderate heat risk and heightened fire danger heading into the weekend.
Inland areas of Sonoma County, including Santa Rosa, are forecast to reach highs around 94 degrees Friday, with overnight lows in the mid-50s. In Napa County, cities such as Calistoga and St. Helena could see temperatures climbing to 97 degrees, with lows in the mid- to high-50s.
The heat is being driven by high pressure building over the region, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Nicole Sarment, bringing dry and warm conditions Friday and Saturday.
While winds are forecast to remain light, the combination of low humidity and dry grasses — especially in the eastern hills of Napa County and northern stretches of Sonoma County — has increased the risk of wildfire ignition.
“Always practice fire safety,” Sarment said. “Don’t drive over vegetation or park over it. Extinguish any cigarettes. Don’t drag trailer chains. Just be smart around any potential ignition source.”
The weather service classifies the upcoming conditions as a moderate heat risk — heat that’s typically tolerable for those who are well-acclimated but may still pose health risks for children, older adults, outdoor workers and people without access to adequate shelter. Those groups are urged to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure and check on vulnerable neighbors.
You can reach Tarini Mehta at 707-521-5337 or tarini.mehta@pressdemocrat.com. On X (Twitter) @MehtaTarini.
