Mother Lode Heat Advisory And Red Flag Warning

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for the Mother Lode and the Northern San Joaquin Valley from noon today through 8 PM Sunday.

Additionally, a Red Flag Warning has been issued for the Mother Lode and the Northern San Joaquin Valley from midnight tonight through 8 PM Sunday.

Strong high pressure will build into Northern California through the weekend, bringing a period of hot temperatures across the region.

Temperatures over much of the Central Valley and portions of the Mother Lode are likely to top 100 to 108 degrees, today through Sunday.

There is potential for heat-related illness to humans, pets and livestock with long outdoor exposure.

The above normal temperatures combined with gusty northerly wind and low humidity, will lead to critical fire weather conditions this weekend.

Northerly winds of 10 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph, are expected.

Daytime humidities will range from 6 percent to the teens with widespread maximum humidity recovery of only 30 to 45 percent.

Any fires that do develop, will likely spread rapidly.

Cooler temperatures with higher humidity and lighter wind is expected early next week.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

A Heat Advisory means that a prolonged period of hot temperatures is expected and will create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Take extra precautions, if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the occupational safety and health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency, call 9 1 1.