Merced County Office of Emergency Services

08/31/2026

🌤️ Merced County WEEKLY WEATHER OUTLOOK

Here’s a look at the weather across Merced County for the week ahead. Rain is possible Sunday, September 6th with a 20% chance of precipitation.

☀️ Today, 8/31: Sunny, 88°F | Low 55°F
☀️ Tue, 9/1: Sunny, 79°F | Low 54°F
☀️ Wed, 9/2: Sunny, 80°F | Low 57°F
☀️ Thu, 9/3: Sunny, 83°F | Low 59°F
☀️ Fri, 9/4: Sunny, 83°F | Low 59°F
☀️ Sat, 9/5: Sunny, 84°F | Low 59°F
🌦️ Sun, 9/6: Mostly sunny, 84°F | 20% chance of rain

💨 Northwest winds: Generally 5–10 mph, with gusts up to 15–20 mph, especially overnight.

Stay weather aware and plan ahead!
For weather updates, visit https://www.weather.gov/hnx

08/28/2026

📢 Tire Fire Update

Merced County Public Health has downgraded the Health Alert for the Tire Fire in Ballico to a Health Advisory, effective today.

Those who are most sensitive to smoke and poor air quality should continue to take precautions and limit their exposure when smoke is present.

Please continue to monitor air quality conditions and seek medical attention if respiratory issues arise.

For current air quality information, visit https://www.valleyair.org/

Tire Fire Update:

The Merced County Department of Public Health is downgrading the previous alert to a health advisory to ensure residents understand the continued smoke impacts and know how to protect their health.

Continued progress has been made in mitigating the Ballico Tire Fire, with significantly less smoke detectable throughout Merced County since the fire started on August 24. Fire suppression efforts are likely to extend into the weekend. Overall air quality has also improved, prompting the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution District to lift its Air Quality Alert on August 27.

Read more: https://conta.cc/4gX6EVk

08/28/2026

Today's the day!

Stop by the Stevinson Fire Station and say hello to the Merced County Office of Emergency Services team! We'd love to meet you, answer your questions, and share information on how you can be better prepared for emergencies.

Join us for an interactive discussion on disaster preparedness and how you can help strengthen our community’s resilience.

Why you should stop by:
✔Simple, actionable tips for emergency readiness and response
✔Opportunities to ask questions and share your concerns
✔On-site assistance signing up for Merced County Emergency Alerts
✔Guidance on using the Perimeter Map

📍 Location: 2738 Lander Avenue, Stevinson, CA 95374
🗓Date & Time: Friday, August 28, 2026 | 9 AM – 11 AM

Everyone’s welcome! Whether you’re curious, concerned, or simply want to connect — we’re here to listen, share, and help.

Sign up for alerts now: https://www.countyofmerced.com/alert

08/26/2026

We’re on the road again, Merced County!

Next stop: Stevinson Fire Station

Join us for an interactive discussion on disaster preparedness and how you can help strengthen our community’s resilience.

Why you should stop by:
✔Simple, actionable tips for emergency readiness and response
✔Opportunities to ask questions and share your concerns
✔On-site assistance signing up for Merced County Emergency Alerts
✔Guidance on using the Perimeter Map

📍 Location: 2738 Lander Avenue, Stevinson, CA 95374
🗓Date & Time: Friday, August 28, 2026 | 9 AM – 11 AM

Everyone’s welcome! Whether you’re curious, concerned, or simply want to connect — we’re here to listen, share, and help.

Sign up for alerts now: https://www.countyofmerced.com/alert

08/26/2026

Air Quality Health Alert – Ballico Tire Fire

An Air Quality Health Alert was issued for Merced County due to smoke from the tire fire currently burning in Ballico.

If you are experiencing poor air quality, Merced County Cooling Zones are available to provide a cool, indoor space where you can get relief from the heat and smoke.

Health & Safety Tips:

✔Stay indoors when possible and keep windows and doors closed.
✔If you must be outside, consider wearing a well-fitting N95 or KN95 mask to help reduce exposure to smoke particles.
✔ Avoid unnecessary travel through areas affected by heavy smoke.
✔Avoid activities that add indoor air pollution, such as burning candles or using fireplaces.
✔Children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with asthma or heart or lung conditions should take extra precautions and limit exposure to smoke.
✔ If you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe coughing, dizziness, or other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention.

Monitor Air Quality:
For current information and an interactive map showing fire and smoke impacts, visit AirNow Fire and Smoke Map by visiting, https://fire.airnow.gov/

Find a Cooling Zone:
To find your nearest Merced County Cooling Zone, visit the Perimeter Map https://perimetermap.com/Merced-CA.

08/25/2026

Due to a large tire fire currently burning at a recycling center in the 13000 block of Newport Road in Ballico, the Merced County Department of Public Health has issued a Health Alert urging residents in the area and those affected by smoke to take precautions to reduce their exposure to potentially unhealthy air: https://conta.cc/3SV9npd

08/24/2026

SMOKE ADVISORY – BALLICO

There is a large tire fire currently burning at a recycling center in the 13000 block of Newport Road in Ballico. Newport Road is currently closed between Sunny Acres Avenue and W. East Avenue.

Due to the nature of the fire and the materials involved, the fire is expected to continue burning for some time. Residents in the area are advised to stay indoors when possible and keep windows and doors closed due to possible smoke and air contamination.

Those with sensitive respiratory conditions, older adults, children, and individuals who may be particularly sensitive to smoke are encouraged to take extra precautions and avoid exposure.

Please avoid the area until the fire is extinguished and allow emergency crews to safely manage the incident.

Updated road closure information can be found using the Perimeter Map https://perimetermap.com/merced-ca/data/42-241812-line

08/24/2026

It's going to be hot today! Need a place to cool off? Merced County Cooling Zones are open throughout the county, and THE BUS can help get you there!

Cooling Zones provide a cool, air-conditioned space to escape the heat and stay safe. Merced County Cooling Zones are available throughout the county. For locations and hours, visit: https://www.countyofmerced.com/4232/Cooling-Zones

You can also find your nearest Cooling Zone on the Perimeter Map https://perimetermap.com/Merced-CA

Complimentary paratransit service provided by THE BUS is available by calling 1-877-232-7433.

08/24/2026

😎Merced County Weekly Weather Outlook

Hot temperatures continue this week, with highs near 100°F through Thursday before gradually cooling into the weekend.

Today, 8/24: Partly sunny, becoming sunny and hot. High: 100°F | Low: 67°F
Tuesday, 8/25: Mostly cloudy early, then sunny. High: 99°F | Low: 67°F
Wednesday, 8/26: Sunny and hot. High: 100°F | Low: 66°F
Thursday, 8/27: Sunny. High: 98°F | Low: 65°F
Friday, 8/28: Partly sunny. High: 96°F | Low: 64°F
Saturday, 8/29: Sunny. High: 95°F | Low: 62°F
Sunday, 8/30: Sunny. High: 93°F

💨 Winds: Northwest winds generally 5–10 mph, with gusts up to 15–20 mph at times, particularly Tuesday through Thursday.

🥵 Heat Safety Reminder: Stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and check on family, friends, and neighbors who may be more vulnerable to heat.

Cooling Zones are available to provide a cool, safe, and comfortable place to escape the heat. Visit the Perimeter Map to find your nearest Cooling Zone.
https://perimetermap.com/Merced-CA