Weather
San Joaquin Valley Heat Risk Peaks Sunday
Hanford, CA – Temperatures will climb across California’s Central Valley through the weekend, with a Heat Advisory in effect Saturday morning through Sunday night.
By Nora Whitfield · 2026-10-01T18:22:28.586Z
Hanford, CA – Temperatures will climb across California’s Central Valley through the weekend, with a Heat Advisory in effect Saturday morning through Sunday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Hanford, a ridge of high pressure will begin building over California Thursday, Oct. 1, sending temperatures higher through the weekend. Sunday, Oct. 4, is expected to be the warmest day of the week.
The NWS said the probability of reaching at least Moderate HeatRisk on Sunday is 95% to 100% across the San Joaquin Valley. Moderate HeatRisk indicates conditions that can affect people sensitive to heat, particularly those without effective cooling or adequate hydration.
Chances of Major or higher HeatRisk range from about 30% to 90% across affected areas, with the highest probabilities along the region’s thermal belt, according to the weather service.
Major HeatRisk represents a greater potential for heat related health impacts, including for people without adequate cooling or hydration. The NWS graphic shows probabilities varying substantially by location, so not every community faces the same level of risk.
The Heat Advisory begins Saturday morning and continues through Sunday night for the Central Valley. The weather service did not provide specific high temperatures in Thursday’s update, instead emphasizing the probability of elevated HeatRisk.
Residents are advised to limit time outdoors during the hottest part of the day, stay properly hydrated and wear light colored clothing when outside.
Temperatures are expected to continue rising into the weekend before reaching their weekly peak Sunday. Residents should monitor updated NWS Hanford forecasts for specific temperatures and any changes to the Heat Advisory.