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
Severe Thunderstorms Ramp Back Up Next Week

Severe Thunderstorms Ramp Back Up Next Week

While the severe thunderstorm risk ends with

19 Apr 2026 1:46 AM
Active Week Ahead for the West Coast

Active Week Ahead for the West Coast

After a quiet weekend, the next upper level l

19 Apr 2026 1:45 AM
Tornado Outbreak Hits the Midwest & Great Plains on Friday

Tornado Outbreak Hits the Midwest & Great Plains on Friday

Tornadoes, hail, wind, and rain slammed the M

19 Apr 2026 1:40 AM
Last Day of East Coast Record Heat, Big Cool Down on the Way

Last Day of East Coast Record Heat, Big Cool Down on the Way

High pressure has been dominant on the East C

19 Apr 2026 1:20 AM
Severe Storms Shift East on Saturday

Severe Storms Shift East on Saturday

The cold front that generated the severe stor

18 Apr 2026 9:10 PM
Colorado I-70 Pileup on Tuesday, More Snow Late Week

Colorado I-70 Pileup on Tuesday, More Snow Late Week

COLORADO - An estimated 70+ car pileup happen

17 Apr 2026 7:15 PM
Severe Storms Leave a Mark on the Great Lakes

Severe Storms Leave a Mark on the Great Lakes

UPPER MIDWEST and GREAT LAKES - Three straigh

17 Apr 2026 7:00 PM