Weather
110-Degree Temps, Power Shutoffs, Fire Danger: Bay Area Heat Wave
Here's who will get the hottest temps in this widespread heatwave — and who could lose power when they desperately need air conditioning.
SAN FRANCISCO — Northern California is bracing for a marathon of heat, and plummeting humidity and gusty winds will create elevated fire hazards leading up to Independence Day, according to the latest forecasts.
An excessive heat warning will take effect Tuesday morning for most areas away from the immediate coast, while a heat advisory will be in place for San Francisco and areas of the Peninsula, South Bay and East Bay closer to the water. Even in San Francisco proper, afternoon highs are expected to hit the mid-80s Tuesday and Wednesday.
The excessive heat warning will remain in place until at least Saturday, while the heat advisory is set to expire Wednesday afternoon.
"Confidence continues to increase that a significant heat wave producing widespread, well above-average temperatures will develop this week as an upper-level ridge moves inland," the National Weather Service said in a Monday briefing. "Interior temperatures will range from the mid-90s to low 100s, regions close to the coast will range from the upper 70s to mid-80s, and regions directly along the coast will range from the upper 60s to mid-70s."
A few hot spots in the North Bay and East Bay could see afternoon highs climb toward 110 degrees, and forecasters see extreme heat risks and very low relative humidity impacting the North Bay, Easy Bay, Santa Cruz County and interior Monterey and San Benito counties by Wednesday afternoon.
Forecasters warn several days of searing heat, with limited overnight relief for most, could create significant hazards for people and pets across the region. The weather service urged residents to stay in air-conditioned spaces during the day, and for those without AC to utilize cooling shelters, libraries and movie theaters.
"With extreme heat, and especially prolonged heat events, it is a marathon and not a sprint," NWS Bay Area warned. "This is not just for individuals sensitive to heat, but rather, the entire population. Heat for this duration and at these temperatures can be dangerous for everyone. Do your body a favor and if you can, suspend outdoor activities between the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on days where heat advisories or excessive heat warnings are in effect."
Now that we have issued the Excessive Heat Warning for inland regions (beginning 11am Tuesday July 2nd), some of you may be wondering what the difference is between an Excessive Heat WATCH vs. a WARNING. Take a look at the graphic below to find out! #CAwx #CAHeat #WeatherReady pic.twitter.com/YPNsUlli0b
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) June 30, 2024
The mid-week peak in the heat will coincide with elevated fire risks, prompting forecasters to issue a red flag warning beginning Monday evening. The warning will be in place Monday night through Tuesday evening for the East Bay Hills and Marin and Sonoma coastal ranges, and in the North Bay interior m0untains from Monday evening through Wednesday afternoon.
With July 4 celebrations on deck, and humidity expected to drop into the teens, the weather service urged neighbors to exercise extreme caution to prevent devastating wildfires.
"With the long holiday weekend, and the many outdoor activities expected, people need to be careful with any campfires, and fireworks should not be used," NWS Bay Area warned. "Any wildfire that ignites will have the potential for rapid spread. Lightning is the only natural ignition for wildfires, and there are no thunderstorms in the forecast."
Please forego the use of fireworks this Fourth of July. The hot and (already) dry conditions will make ignition easy, and rapid fire spread likely. This graphic explains how fires can spread quickly, especially in an area like ours with lots of grass and steep terrain. @CAwx 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/l0TTfqTFFN
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) June 30, 2024
To make matters even worse, PG&E is warning some 12,000 customers that they could have their power intentionally shut off on Tuesday for safety reasons.
Eight counties received warnings including Solano and Napa counties. Most impacted customers live in Shasta and Tehama counties.
PG&E will operate six community centers in the impacted counties where customers can pick up ice.
PG&E calls a Public Safety Power Shutoff when weather conditions suggest wildfires could be imminent and pose a danger to life or property. Weather forecasts and patterns that could cause a Public Safety Power Shutoff include humidity below 30 percent, high temperatures and winds above 19 miles per hour or with gusts of 30-40 miles per hour.
PG&E also activated its emergency operations center in anticipation of a Red Flag warning issued by the National Weather Service for Monday night through Tuesday night for the Sacramento Valley and foothills.
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