‘Extreme heat’ forecast for Merced. Here’s when and how high temperatures will get
Triple-digit temperatures are headed to the Merced area for the first time in 2025, according to the National Weather Service.
The weather agency recently issued an extreme heat watch for Fresno and the rest of the Central Valley.
“(Maximum temperatures) will rise well above normal, with highs up to 105 degrees, and lead to major heat risk,” the weather agency wrote in an X post. “This level of heat can cause heat-related illnesses for much of the population.”
“This is our first major heat event of the year,” National Weather Service meteorologist Stephen McCoy told The Fresno Bee, describing it as the “driving factor” behind the extreme heat watch. “This is the first time we’re seeing these kind of temperatures this year.”
Strong winds and low humidity could result in a “minor fire risk” for much of the Central Valley, according to the weather service said via X.
Here’s what to know:
How long is extreme heat watch in effect?
The extreme weather watch will remain in effect from 11 a.m. Friday, May 30, through 7 a.m. Sunday, June 1, according to the National Weather Service.
Which areas could see dangerously hot weather?
According to the weather service, the extreme weather watch affects the San Joaquin and Kern River valleys as well as the lower Sierra Nevada foothills.
That includes the cities of Merced, Bakersfield, Coalinga, Fresno, Lemoore, Madera, Porterville, Sanger, Selma, Tulare and Visalia.
Lake Isabella and Yosemite Valley will also be affected, McCoy said.
How high will temperatures get?
On Friday, Merced has a 10% chance of experiencing a maximum temperature greater than 105 degrees, the weather service said in an X post.
That chance will increase to 25% on Saturday, the weather agency said.
“Warmer temperatures will result in drier conditions across Central California, particularly in the San Joaquin Valley, southern Sierra foothills, Kern County mountains and West Side Hills,” the weather service said in an X post.
The relative humidity could drop to 15% to 20% in valley areas, McCoy said.
What’s in the weather forecast for Merced?
The Merced area was expected to be sunny on Tuesday, with a high temperature near 90 degrees and winds around 5 mph, according to the National Weather Service’s latest seven-day forecast.
Skies will be clear Tuesday night, when the low temperature will be around 59 degrees.
On Wednesday, the temperature will continue to climb, with a high near 92 and a low around 58.
Thursday will bring more sunshine to Merced, when the high will be near 93 and the low will be around 61.
Winds will reach 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph, the weather service said
On Friday, Merced will see sunny and hot weather, with a high near 103 and a low around 68.
On Saturday, the high will reach 105 while the a low will be around 66. Winds could gust as high as 15 mph.
The temperature will start to dip on Sunday, when winds will gust up to 15 mph. The high will be near 94 and the low will drop to around 57.
Monday will be sunny, with a high near 83.
Who’s most at risk in Merced?
Vulnerable individuals include those who are pregnant, newborns, children, older adults and those with chronic illnesses.
These groups are more at risk due to age and conditions that make it difficult to regulate high temperatures.
How to stay safe during hot weather
During the heat wave, people should “stay hydrated, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing (and) avoid outdoor activities during the warmest part of the day,” the mid-afternoon, McCoy said.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the weather service said in its extreme heat watch.
McCoy advised using air conditioning at night as well as during the day.
“Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles,” the weather service warned. “Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.”
This story was originally published May 27, 2025 at 12:06 PM.