After midweek heat spike, here’s what Modesto can expect for Memorial Day weekend
Modesto saw its highest temperature of the year Wednesday, as recorded by the Modesto Irrigation District.
The peak of 99 degrees in the late afternoon fell short of the National Weather Service’s prediction Wednesday morning that the day would reach 103. But the heat was enough to have people fan themselves, wear broad-brimmed hats and hold umbrellas as they watched high school seniors graduate in stadiums across the city.
Beyer, Davis, Downey and Gregori high schools all had their commencements Wednesday. Enochs, Johansen and Modesto high school seniors and their loved ones are expected to have it a bit easier Thursday evening.
At least the new grads — everyone across the area, really — can look forward to cooler weather over Memorial Day weekend.
According to data from the National Weather Service, Modesto is expected to see a drop to the low 80s for the weekend and holiday.
Thursday is forecast to be 92 degrees and cloudy, while Friday’s temperature is set to dip to 88 degrees, and the day will remain mostly sunny. Further temperature drops are expected for Saturday and Sunday, both sunny with highs of 83 and 81 degrees, respectively. Memorial Day has an expected high of 82 degrees.
Overnight temperatures are expected to drop into the 60s and high 50s over the weekend.
The Weather Service issued a heat risk warning Wednesday, with the Modesto temperatures posing a “high risk for much of the population, especially those who are heat sensitive and those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.”
Despite lower temperatures over the weekend, residents still are urged to take precautions for the heat by limiting direct sun exposure and remembering to hydrate.
Additionally, people looking to spend the weekend on the water should remember to exercise caution, as the water will be cold and, in rivers, swift. The Modesto Fire Department is offering free lifejacket rentals at multiple fire stations throughout the city.
This story was produced with financial support from the Stanislaus Community Foundation, along with the GroundTruth Project’s Report for America initiative. The Modesto Bee maintains full editorial control of this work.
This story was originally published May 26, 2022 at 7:30 AM.
