‘Extreme heat’ is headed to Modesto. Here’s when and how high temps could get
Brace yourselves, Modesto residents.
Scorching hot temperatures are on the way to Stanislaus County, according to the National Weather Service.
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch for the area.
Valley residents can expect dangerously hot conditions with temperatures ranging from 99 to 109 degrees and widespread major heat risks, the weather agency said on X.
Here’s what to know in the Modesto area:
When will excessive heat watch be in effect?
The excessive heat watch will be in effect from 11 a.m. Friday, May 30, through 11 p.m. Saturday, May 31, according to the National Weather Service.
Which areas can expect dangerously hot conditions?
According to the weather service, affected communities include Modesto and the rest of Stanislaus County, as well as Paradise, Sacramento, Grass Valley, Chico, Oroville, Jackson, Redding, Marysville, Yuba City, Red Bluff and Stockton.
“Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities,” the weather agency said.
How high will temperatures get?
Much of the Central Valley and northeastern Sierra Nevada foothills are expected to face elevated heat risks from Friday through Saturday, the weather service said, with daytime high temperatures possibly exceeding 100 degrees.
In Modesto, Saturday is shaping up to be the hottest day, with a 90% chance of triple-digit temperatures, according to the National Weather Service.
The weather is expected to stay warm overnight, with low temperatures ranging between the mid-60s and mid-70s.
What’s in the weather forecast for Modesto?
On Tuesday, Modesto residents can expect clear, sunny skies and a high temperature of 92 degrees, according to the National Weather Service’s latest seven-day weather forecast.
The overnight low temperature will be 60.
Winds could range from 6 to 7 mph.
The high on Wednesday should be near 91, while the low will be approximately 58. Winds are expected to range from 5 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Thursday will see a high near 93 degrees and a low around 63. Winds could range from 3 to 8 mph.
Friday’s forecast calls for a high near 103 degrees and a low around 70.
On Saturday, the high will be approximately 106, with a low around 67.
Sunday will see a high of 94 and a low of 61.
What does heat risk mean?
Starting Friday, Modesto’s heat risk will be major, the weather service said.
The heat risk scale provides a forecast that shows the likelihood of heat-related problems occurring.
The scale calculates how hot it is compared to normal, how long the heat lasts, and whether it’s likely to cause health issues based on data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It ranges from 0, meaning there’s little or no heat risk, to 4, indicating an extreme heat risk.
The heat risk is projected to be 3 on Friday, indicating a major heat risk.
According to the weather service, major heat risk “affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.”
The Modesto area will see moderate heat risk over the weekend, the weather service said.
Moderate heat risk “affects most individuals sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration,” the agency said.
Who’s most at risk in Modesto?
Vulnerable individuals include those who are pregnant, newborns, children, older adults and those with a chronic illness. These groups are more at risk due to age and conditions that make it difficult to regulate high temperatures.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the weather service said in its extreme heat watch. “Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles.”
This story was originally published May 27, 2025 at 10:39 AM.
