Scorching Heat and Stormy Prospects in Fresno on August 26, 2025

FRESNO, Calif. - A relentless West Coast heat wave continues to blaze across Fresno on Tuesday, August 26, as residents swelter under daytime highs reaching 102°F and prepare for isolated afternoon thunderstorms.

Record-Breaking Heat Persists Temperatures are climbing well above the 30-year normal of 95°F for this date, marking a departure of 7°F from the average high. The Fresno Air Terminal recorded a morning low of 77°F under mostly cloudy skies at 6:20 AM PDT, with humidity at 53 percent and a heat index already near 79°F.

Forecast Details

  • Today: Mostly sunny, with a chance of showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms developing late in the afternoon. Highs will peak around 102°F with west winds up to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation stands at 40 percent.
  • Tonight: Skies clearing to mostly clear after a slight chance of thunderstorms; lows dipping to around 70°F. Northwest winds increasing to 10 mph in the evening, with a 20 percent chance of rain.
  • Wednesday: Sunny and slightly cooler, with a high near 100°F and overnight low near 68°F.

Heat Advisories and Safety The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Fresno County extending through Wednesday evening. Officials urge residents to:

  • Stay hydrated and limit outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours.
  • Check on vulnerable neighbors and those without air conditioning.
  • Be alert for heat-related illnesses, especially among children and the elderly.

Wildfire Concerns Sustained high temperatures and dry conditions are fueling the nearby Garnet Fire in the Sierra National Forest northeast of Fresno. The blaze has scorched over 6,400 acres and prompted mandatory evacuations; fire crews warn that continued triple-digit heat could hamper containment efforts.

Outlook The dangerous heat wave is expected to persist through midweek, gradually easing as highs fall back into the upper 90s by Thursday. Overnight lows will remain uncomfortably warm, testing air-conditioning capacities across the Central Valley.