'Don't go outside': Major heat risk, triple-digit temps headed for Bay Area
By Amanda Bartlett, Assistant Local Editor Sep 29, 2024
Rising temperatures are expected to crank up even more in the Bay Area as meteorologists closely monitor increasing “widespread moderate to major heat risk” that’s forecast to stifle the region early this week.
The National Weather Service is issuing a heat advisory starting at 11 a.m on Monday, which will remain in effect until 11 p.m. on Wednesday as temperatures soar to the mid-100s throughout inland portions of the Bay Area, while parts of San Francisco could climb to the mid-90s. It’s forecast to be the hottest weather recorded during the first week of October in San Francisco and Oakland in at least two years, Crystal Oudit, a meteorologist for the weather service’s Bay Area office, confirmed with SFGATE, describing it a “small heat wave.”
“It is a little weird,” Oudit said over the phone, “because the end of September is when temperatures tend to ease up.”
A Heat Advisory has been issued for the entire Bay Area and Central Coast from Monday - Wednesday #CAwx pic.twitter.com/PpC32wNiwL
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) September 29, 2024
A ridge of high pressure is driving the sweltering conditions, sending temperatures as much as 10 to 18 degrees above normal on Monday and 15 to 20 degrees above normal on Tuesday, when the heat is expected to peak, “possibly” leading to record-breaking highs, Oudit said. A Spare the Air Alert will be issued by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District on Monday as elevated concentrations of smog caused by the heat are anticipated to contribute to unhealthy air quality.
Some of the maximum temperatures on the Tuesday forecast are as follows:
Concord: 107
Fremont: 100
Livermore: 104
Napa: 99
Oakland: 95
Redwood City: 101
San Francisco: 88
San Rafael: 104
Santa Rosa: 102
Overnight lows are likely to linger in the mid-60s throughout most of the region and low 70s in higher elevation areas, with about a five-degree increase between Sunday and Monday night, Oudit said.
“There is a high risk for heat related illnesses during this event, particularly on Tuesday afternoon and early evening,” the weather service said in an emailed briefing.
Over the weekend, PG&E warned some 13,455 customers in 13 counties throughout the Bay Area and Northern California that it would likely shut off power on Monday and Tuesday as a preemptive measure to prevent its equipment from sparking wildfires amid the dry, gusty weather.
“Fortunately the actual wind speed doesn't look too strong with gusts in the 10-15 mph range, and we do not expect to reach Red Flag criteria,” the weather service said. “Nevertheless, this hot weather will dry fuels to critical levels.”
Tuesday’s major heat risk – ranked level 3 out of 4 on the weather service’s scale – refers to “uncommon heat that is dangerous to individuals exposed to the sun or in a heat-sensitive group,” such as infants, elderly people, and individuals working outdoors. “Uncooled living spaces can become deadly during the afternoon,” the weather service warned.
Oudit urged people to seek out cooling shelters and public spaces with air conditioning, like malls, libraries, and movie theaters.
“Definitely don’t go outside,” she said. “Open your windows at night and stay hydrated. Don’t leave pets and kids in the car. With two days of heat, even people who aren’t vulnerable are going to be more sensitive and should definitely take some precautions.”
Temperatures are forecast to start cooling down on Wednesday, with a noticeable 10-degree drop on Thursday before seasonal averages return on Friday.
“This pattern we’re seeing isn’t completely abnormal,” Oudit said. “But it’s the timing that’s bringing a lot of attention to this one.”
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