Above normal temperatures forecast into early October

CHICO — A cool week that brought below average temperatures Northern California is on its way out, and a heat trend this weekend is forecast to swing temperatures above average, possibly through the end of September.

Starting Monday and Tuesday, temperatures in the Chico area are forecast into the mid 90s, with long-range indicators pointing to above normal temperatures through the beginning of October, according to Karl Swanberg, meteorologist with National Weather Service Sacramento.

“We were significantly cooler than normal, but now we’re warming up and we’re going to exceed our normal high temperature,” Swanberg said.

Max temperatures in Chico and Oroville are forecast to warm up into the low 90s this weekend, with peak heat to hit Monday at 97 degrees, followed by 96 degrees Tuesday and 94 degrees Wednesday. Up the foothills in Paradise, Monday’s max temperature is forecast at 90 degrees. Overnight lows in Chico are forecast in the 60s.

Swanberg said he normal temperature this time of year in north valley is about 90 degrees, and a forecast from Sept. 27 to Oct. 3 above show warmer than normal temperatures.

Wind gusts, combined with low relative humidity, is expected to bring elevated fire weather Monday and Tuesday. Red Bluff is forecast with up to 24 mph and 19 mph winds respectively, and Chico with 18 mph and 15 mph winds. Humidity in both cities are forecast near 20% those days, increasing to the mid 20s by Thursday.

The chance of max temperatures exceeding 100 degrees is up to 15% in Chico and 4% in Red Bluff for Monday and Tuesday. The service advises the public to be aware of easier fire starts, to keep vehicles off dry grass, to properly dispose of cigarettes and matches and to avoid using outdoor equipment.

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