Continuing a growing trend, three new wolf packs have been confirmed in Northern California, increasing the population of the charismatic and controversial predator to 78 now — up from 44 animals in 2023 and only 7 in 2020.

Northern California is expected to see the first triple-digit temperatures of the year as a warm-up begins on Thursday. Many places in the valley are expected to see temperatures in the 90s on Thursday before the triple-digit heat arrives on Friday.