CHICO >> Despite a few days of temperatures in the high 80s and low 90s, triple-digit heat is expected to return to Northern California starting today and lasting through the weekend.

A forecast by the National Weather Service’s Sacramento office shows that temperatures are predicted to be as high as 103 degrees on Thursday in the valley and foothill areas such as Chico, Oroville and Paradise and extending north toward Red Bluff and Corning, with that heat spreading into the mountains and elevations above 3,000 feet starting Friday.

The service is calling it a major heat risk, especially to those who might be sensitive, such as the elderly, children and animals as well as those exposed to the weather such as homeless people.

According to the forecast, the public can expect “moderate to locally major risk for heat-related illnesses for pets, livestock and those who are sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.”

On Wednesday, the forecast showed the warming trend lasting at least through Monday.

While it’s still too early to know for sure, there is a chance that the Delta breeze could cut through some of the heat into the north valley during Saturday and Sunday, the forecast showed.

Many people had already made their way to local waterways such as Butte Creek to cool off in the wake of the warming weather.

The National Weather Service recommends that the public drink plenty of water, take cooling-off breaks in their day-to-day activities, wear sunscreen when exposed outdoors and never leave pets or children locked in cars.

A red flag warning has not been announced, but the heat and dry conditions could lend themselves to higher fire risk. Fire warning signs around Butte County have been set to moderate risk.

Cal Fire-Butte County announced on social media Wednesday that 74 people have already been arrested in relation to arson crimes in 2025 alone. Those who have information on potential arson incidents are being asked by Cal Fire law enforcement to report what they know at 530-468-4408.

Lake Oroville

As summer continues, additional water is released from Lake Oroville.

Reports at 2 p.m. Wednesday showed the lake level had dropped to 877.47 feet in elevation. On July 9, 2024, the lake was measured at 879.52 feet and for the same date in 2023, the lake was still at 896.49 of its 900-foot capacity.

Inflows into the lake remain at roughly 2,200 cubic feet per second while outflows total 10,300 cfs, said Raquel Borrayo, a spokesperson for the California Department of Water Resources.

“Total Feather River releases are at 8,000 cfs with 1,200 cfs through the low-flow channel with 6,800 cfs through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet,” Borrayo said.

Those driving near the Oroville Dam have likely noticed that flows from the main spillway have ceased. DWR stopped the releases from the spillway on July 2, Borrayo said.

“At this time, there are no plans to resume any releases through that structure,” Borrayo said. “When the main spillway is not in use, water may still be seen on the main spillway outlet as the seals on the eight radial gates are not designed to be watertight. The gate seals do not play a role in the structural integrity of the gates, which continue to operate as intended.”