Critical fire weather alert issued in Sacramento Valley through Sunday: Check current fire risk
A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 8 AM Sunday to 8 PM Monday, May 18–19, 2025, for Northern California’s Sacramento Valley. Expect gusty winds and low humidity with dangerous wildfire potential.
Fire officials are urging residents across Northern California’s Sacramento Valley to prepare for dangerous fire conditions starting early Sunday. The National Weather Service and CAL FIRE have issued a Red Flag Warning and Fire Weather Watch that will be in effect from 8:00 a.m. Sunday, May 18, through 8:00 p.m. Monday, May 19, 2025.
🚨 RED FLAG WARNING 🚨
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) May 18, 2025
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for much of the Sacramento Valley and Northern San Joaquin Valley.
🕗 When: 8 AM Sunday – 8 PM Monday
💨 Winds: 15–25 mph, gusts up to 35 mph (strongest along & west of I-5)
💧 Humidity: 15–25%
🔥… pic.twitter.com/b1GNT8wQdj
The warning covers a large swath of the state, including cities such as Redding, Chico, Sacramento, Fairfield, Stockton, and Modesto.
Current Fire Risk in Affected Areas
Check the current fire risk in Redding, Chico, Sacramento, Fairfield, Stockton, and Modesto below.
What to expect
According to the National Weather Service in Sacramento, the region is facing a combination of strong north winds and critically low relative humidity:
- Winds: Sustained north winds of 15–25 mph with gusts reaching up to 35 mph
- Humidity:
- Minimum daytime relative humidity of 15–25%
- Overnight maximum relative humidity of 30–55%
The strongest winds are expected in the northern and central Sacramento Valley, particularly along and west of Interstate 5.
Impacts and safety precautions
The combination of gusty winds and dry air significantly increases the risk of wildfire ignition and rapid fire spread, especially in grass-heavy areas. Officials recommend taking the following precautions:
- Avoid any outdoor burning or activities that could spark flames.
- Secure or remove flammable materials from your property.
- Have an evacuation plan in place.
- Monitor emergency alerts from local fire departments and the National Weather Service.
“Conditions are aligned for fires to start easily and spread rapidly,” the alert states. “Now is the time to prepare, not wait.”
Stay informed
Residents are encouraged to follow real-time updates through the National Weather Service (NWS) and ReadyForWildfire.org, CAL FIRE’s public safety website.
