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 Storm Remain Across the Midwest and Great Lakes

Severe Storm Remain Across the Midwest and Great Lakes

UPPER MIDWEST and GREAT LAKES - The second da

15 Apr 2026 12:55 AM
Eastern Heat + Fire Danger

Eastern Heat + Fire Danger

Record high temperatures are in the forecast

15 Apr 2026 12:10 AM
Colorado I-70 Pileup on Tuesday, More Snow Late Week

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

COLORADO - An estimated 75+ car pileup happen

15 Apr 2026 12:10 AM
Dryline Driven Storms for Texas and Oklahoma

Dryline Driven Storms for Texas and Oklahoma

SW PLAINS - Portions of Texas and Oklahoma ar

14 Apr 2026 9:25 PM
Next Severe Threat: Friday and Saturday

Next Severe Threat: Friday and Saturday

After a busy start to the week, the weekend d

14 Apr 2026 7:00 PM
Storm Overview: Who All Is At Risk This Week?

Storm Overview: Who All Is At Risk This Week?

Multi-Day Severe Storm Set-UpWe continue to s

14 Apr 2026 10:45 AM
CSU Releases First Hurricane Forecast for 2026

CSU Releases First Hurricane Forecast for 2026

Spring is in full swing which means it's time

13 Apr 2026 9:30 AM