Millions of People in California Told To Stay Out of the Sun for 2 Days
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Millions of California residents are being warned to avoid sun exposure as an extreme heat wave is expected for much of the state, with temperatures forecast to surpass 100 degrees in multiple regions. The heat is expected to start on Friday and last until Sunday morning.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued extreme heat watches and advisories for the Central Valley, Sacramento Valley, Sierra foothills and other inland areas. It is urging people to stay indoors, remain hydrated and check on vulnerable people. On the other side of the state line, similar alerts affect Nevada's southern valleys, including Las Vegas and Death Valley, where risks remain high through the weekend.
Newsweek reached out to the NWS offices in Hanford and Sacramento by phone for comment.
Why It Matters
The heat event impacts millions across agricultural, urban and foothill communities. High temperatures and limited overnight relief increase the risk of heat-related illnesses—especially for those without air conditioning, as well as children, the elderly and outdoor workers.
Authorities have called the situation "dangerous," with health, fire and infrastructure threats expected as the state faces the likelihood of record-breaking temperatures and heightened wildfire danger.
An NWS HeatRisk map shows where the worst heat is expected in California and Nevada beginning May 30, 2025.
An NWS HeatRisk map shows where the worst heat is expected in California and Nevada beginning May 30, 2025.
National Weather Service
What To Know
The NWS office in Hanford issued an Extreme Heat Watch for the San Joaquin Valley, Kern River Valley, and lower Sierra Nevada foothills, effective from Friday morning through Sunday morning. High temperatures in those areas could reach 105 degrees Fahrenheit, with the greatest risks in Merced, Fresno, Bakersfield and surrounding communities.
"Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events," the NWS said in the alert.
Residents are strongly advised to "drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors."
Further north, an Extreme Heat Watch was issued for Sacramento and Northern San Joaquin Valleys, parts of the Sierra foothills and the Carquinez Strait and Delta. Expected highs range from 99 to 109 degrees, with overnight lows in the mid-60s to mid-70s. The notice cautioned that "heat related illnesses increase significantly during
extreme heat events, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities."
On the coast, cooler conditions will persist with highs in the 60s and 70s. However, inland cities including Fresno, Bakersfield, Sacramento and Redding are at the greatest risk of extreme heat and related health threats. NWS officials underscored the threat to young children and pets, advising people not to leave them in unattended vehicles because temperatures could become lethal within minutes.
The heat event is not confined to California. NWS Las Vegas issued its own Extreme Heat Watch affecting southern Nevada and eastern California, forecasting highs of 104 to 109 degrees in places like Las Vegas, Pahrump and Lake Mead, with above 115 degrees likely in Death Valley.
Despite the surge in temperatures, a spokesperson with UC Davis Health Public Affairs told Newsweek: "Temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees in the summertime, and we are not expecting anything unusual related to this usual heat."
What People Are Saying
NWS Sacramento, on X, formerly Twitter: "With well above normal temperatures expected this week, Moderate HeatRisk and areas of Major HeatRisk are in the forecast. Widespread triple digits are possible on Friday, with near record to record highs. Practice heat safety!"
NWS Hanford, on X: "An Extreme Heat Watch has been issued for much of Central CA valid from 11 AM Fri-7 AM Sun. Max temps will rise well above normal, with highs up to 105° and lead to Major Heat Risk. This level of heat can cause heat-related illnesses for much of the population."
What Happens Next
The NWS will continue to monitor the evolving heat event and update warnings as necessary. Residents are advised to remain vigilant for health and fire risks during the peak heat advisory period and to follow all safety recommendations from public health and weather agencies.
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