Overview

• The National Weather Service has issued extreme heat watches for the Central Valley, Sacramento Valley, Sierra foothills and other inland areas from Friday morning through Sunday morning.
• Forecasts predict high temperatures exceeding 105°F in inland communities such as Merced, Fresno and Bakersfield and a peak of 118°F in Death Valley on Saturday.
• A separate extreme heat watch covers southern Nevada and eastern California, with Las Vegas, Pahrump and Lake Mead expecting highs between 104°F and 109°F.
• Health officials urge people to stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned spaces and check on elderly residents, children and outdoor workers to prevent heat-related illnesses.
• Persistent drought affecting nearly 40% of California is likely to limit overnight cooling and heighten wildfire risks during the heat wave.