Possible triple-digit temps prompt Bay Area heat advisory for first weekend of October
By Tim Fang
A heat advisory was issued for much of the San Francisco Bay Area and Central Coast for the first weekend of October, as hot temperatures possibly reaching the triple digits in some locations are expected.
According to the National Weather Service, the advisory covers the Sonoma Coastal Range, North Bay interior mountains, San Francisco Bay shoreline and the entire East Bay and South Bay. On the Central Coast, the advisory covers the Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Lucia Range, the southern Salinas Valley and interior mountains of the Central Coast.
The advisory will be in effect from 11 a.m. Saturday through 10 p.m. Monday, the Weather Service announced Friday afternoon. Initially, the advisory was scheduled to expire on Sunday.
Forecasters said highs ranging from the mid-90s up to 103 degrees are expected this weekend, while low temperatures will only dip to the upper 60s through mid-70s.
In its Friday morning forecast discussion, the Weather Service said above-normal temperatures may continue past the weekend and into next week.
“No matter how you slice it, it is going to be hot for the next week with temperatures 15 to 20 degrees above normal and moderate to major HeatRisk across the interior,” forecasters said. “With all that being said, no records are in jeopardy as October is one of the hottest months for the region.”
Temperatures are expected to warm up before the weekend arrives. According to CBS News Bay Area meteorologist Jessica Burch, highs along the coast on Friday are expected to reach the 70s, with the high in San Francisco expected to be 75. Meanwhile, high temperatures inland are expected to range from the mid-80s to the low 90s.
To beat the heat, the Weather Service said staying hydrated is critical. People are urged to drink water and, if possible, take water to those who are vulnerable.
While outside, officials also urged people to take precautions, including wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing and limiting strenuous activities to early morning or early evening.
Spare The Air Alert Also Issued
In addition to the heat advisory, the Bay Area Air District has issued a Spare the Air Alert for this weekend due to concerns about ozone.
“High inland temperatures, combined with light surface winds and a delayed afternoon sea breeze, is expected to produce elevated concentrations of ozone, or smog, especially in the Eastern Zone, Santa Clara Valley, and Coast and Central Bay,” the district said in a statement.
According to officials, ozone can cause throat irritation, congestion and chest pain, along with triggering asthma, inflame the lining of the lungs, and worsen bronchitis and emphysema. Young children, the elderly and those with respiratory and heart conditions are particularly vulnerable.
The air district urges people to exercise outdoors only during early morning hours, when ozone concentrations are lower.
