Heat, Drought, and Fire Concern for the West

news image
Top Stories
12 May 2021 9:56 AM
While the West continues to experience drought conditions, small wildfires have popped up across some states. https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1392253185910214662 Temperatures will be running well above average, especially in northern California where temperatures are pushing the triple digits. Let's take a look at the forecast:

Northern California

As of now, there are no active fire alerts (red flag warnings, fire weather watches, etc) for northern California as north winds will continue to subside. But conditions will remain favorable to fires in the extended outlook. Because the drought has been extreme in these areas and we unfortunately are well-below average for our seasonable precipitation we will have to keep a close eye on the wind forecast because otherwise, hot temperatures and dry fuels will remain. This means that once we add in the wind element, if wildfires ignite they may easily get out of control. The heat is also a top story in these areas. Redding, CA typically sees high temperatures around 80 this time of year. Sacramento, CA is running 10-15° above average with highs in the 90s through the end of the week.

New Mexico/ Desert Southwest

Occasionally gusty winds, dry grounds, and temperatures gradually warming show us that these areas across the southern Four Corners will need to be monitored over the next few days in case of wildfires. For the latest on these forecasts you can always tune into WeatherNation 50 minutes past the hour for your west regional forecast.
All Weather News
More
Texas Hill Country: Life-Threatening Flooding

Texas Hill Country: Life-Threatening Flooding

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY - Life-threatening floodin

16 Jul 2026 11:50 AM
Canadian Wildfires to Send Thick Dense Smoke Across The Northern U.S.

Canadian Wildfires to Send Thick Dense Smoke Across The Northern U.S.

As temperatures have soared across the Northe

16 Jul 2026 11:40 AM
Two New Tropical Areas to Monitor in the Atlantic

Two New Tropical Areas to Monitor in the Atlantic

Two areas of potential tropical development a

16 Jul 2026 11:10 AM
Tucson Under Moderate Flood Risk Thursday

Tucson Under Moderate Flood Risk Thursday

The monsoon has returned to the southwestern

16 Jul 2026 10:00 AM
Heat Alerts Across the Nation End Thursday

Heat Alerts Across the Nation End Thursday

ALL-TIME RECORD HIGHS were broken across the

16 Jul 2026 1:00 AM
Rare Enhanced Severe Threat For New England

Rare Enhanced Severe Threat For New England

WHAT TO EXPECT The SPC has issued a severe ou

15 Jul 2026 1:35 AM
Saharan Dust and Excessive Heat Impact the Southeast

Saharan Dust and Excessive Heat Impact the Southeast

Hazy skies will be hovering over portions of

14 Jul 2026 10:05 AM