This is a developing situation. Updated information will be published at the top of this article.
8/13/23 9:12 a.m. — The heat advisory that is in effect for inland areas of Mendocino County will become an excessive heat warning starting at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 14. The areas under the warning include Hopland, Ukiah, Redwood Valley, Willits, Potter Valley, Laytonville, Leggett, Piercy and Covelo. The excessive heat warning expires at 11 p.m. on Wednesday, August 16. Anderson Valley’s heat advisory has been canceled and no additional warnings are in place.
NWS Eureka shares that “Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.” Please see below for tips on how to stay safe and protect others, including animals, during the heatwave.
Covelo is an outlier in the weather. Not only will temperature highs fluctuate between 104 and 106 degrees during the week, but Covelo and the surrounding Round Valley will see a 10% chance of isolated thunderstorms on Monday night. These potential thunderstorms will be dry, meaning no precipitation will accompany. The thunderstorms may result due to unstable air created by Tropical Storm Eugene, which is just off the coast of Tijuana, Mexico. And with thunderstorms can come lightning, which can increase fire risk. It’s important to avoid taking any action that could spark a wildfire. Learn how to prepare for and prevent wildfires here.
Mendocino County Public Health has not announced plans to open cooling stations as of Saturday morning. Additionally, PG&E is not anticipating any public safety power shutoffs. We will update this article if that changes.
Due to the diverse weather conditions of North Coast microclimates, hyperlocal weather may vary. You can check the weather forecast for your neighborhood or travel destination here.
MENDOCINO Co., 8/12/23 — High temperatures return to Mendocino County for a third time this year starting this Sunday, August 13. The National Weather Service Eureka (NWS Eureka) is forecasting temperatures to soar across the region, with parts of inland Mendocino County anticipated to reach 106 degrees, and wildland fire risk will increase. Here’s an overview of what to expect.
The extreme heat increases the likelihood of heat-related illnesses, especially for those working or participating in outdoor activities, as well as the young, elderly, pets, and plants. We have a list of tips and resources at the bottom of this article on how to be safe during heatwaves.
NWS Eureka has issued multiple heat advisories of inland Mendocino County. The heat advisory starts at 11 a.m. on Sun., August 13 for Round Valley and other parts of northeastern Mendocino County. Starting on Mon., August 14, however, the heat advisory expands to include the rest of inland Mendocino County, including Hopland, Boonville, Ukiah, Willits, Laytonville, Leggett and Piercy. NWS Eureka forecasts temperatures ranging between 96 to 106 degrees in these areas. The heat advisory is in place through 11 p.m. on Wed., August 16. Portions of Lake, Humboldt and Trinity counties are also under the heat advisory. A heat advisory is issued within 12 hours of an onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions and the temperature is expected to be 100 degrees or higher for at least two days.
Given the high temperatures, it’s likely many inland residents will head to the Mendocino Coast to enjoy nature’s air conditioning. Fort Bragg can expect mostly cloudy and cool weather in the low 60s degrees, and Point Arena is forecast to be partly cloudy in the mid- to high 60s throughout the week.
Due to the high temperatures and dry conditions, the Northern California Geographic Area Coordination Center, which coordinates the mobilization of resources for wildland fire in California, has increased the risk for significant wildland fire potential for Mendocino County from low risk to moderate risk starting Sunday. It’s important to avoid taking any action that could spark a wildfire. Learn how to prepare for and prevent wildfires here.
Mendocino County Public Health has not announced plans to open cooling stations as of Saturday morning. Additionally, PG&E is not anticipating any public safety power shutoffs. We will update this article if that changes.
Due to the diverse weather conditions of North Coast microclimates, hyperlocal weather may vary. You can check the weather forecast for your neighborhood or travel destination here.