Heat Builds in the West; Extremely Critical Fire Weather in the Northwest

A heat wave over the Southwest will intensify this week, peaking and expanding into the Intermountain West and northern High Plains this weekend. Critical to extremely critical fire weather conditions are forecast from the Northwest and the northern Great Basin this weekend. Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag Warnings have been issued. Read More >

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Last Map Update: Fri, Jul 31, 2026 at 2:10:49 pm PDT

Watches, Warnings & Advisories

National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area, CA

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National Weather Service Los Angeles, CA

Extreme Heat Warning

Gale Warning

Heat Advisory

Small Craft Advisory

Beach Hazards Statement

Air Quality Alert

Dangerous Desert Heat

Valley Heat Wave

Elevated Fire Danger

High Heat Risk

An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect for the Indian Wells Valley, the Mojave Desert and Mojave Desert Slopes in eastern Kern County from 11 AM Thursday through 11 PM next Monday. Afternoon highs up to 112 degrees are expected, and morning lows in the mid 70s to lower 80s will provide little relief. Stay hydrated, use air conditioning and remain in cool places during the day, and avoid outdoor activities during the warmest parts of the day.

High pressure building over central California into the weekend will lead to warmer temperatures across the region, especially in the San Joaquin Valley where highs will top from 102 to 107 degrees. These conditions will place Heat Risk in the Moderate to locally Major Categories during the weekend. Remember that while moderate heat risk will affect those sensitive to the heat, major risk can affect much of the population - especially those without effective cooling or hydration with heat-related illnesses.

A Moderate Risk for Elevated Fire Danger will exist across portions of Central California. In particular, the Coastal Range (West Hills) and a large part of the San Joaquin Valley, all north of Kern County. These areas will observe strong wind gusts in the range of 15 to 25 mph and relative humidity down to 10 to 20 percent. These conditions will allow for elevated fire danger as the dry grasses will experience enhanced ignition potential during the end of the week time frame.

Heat Risk across the Desert Southwest, Southern, and Central California will range from Moderate to Major with peak heating on Saturday. Heat Risk in the Moderate to Major with patches of Extreme will exist over the region for the remainder of the weekend.