Heat Risk On The Way
SALINAS, Calif. (KION) – SALINAS, Calif. (KION) – Temperatures could reach the 90s to low 100s by Thursday and Friday. Areas closer to the coast, including Monterey and the Santa Cruz region, will remain more moderate with highs in the 60s to 70s due to a shallow but persistent marine layer. Some isolated spots in the Santa Lucia Mountains may see extreme heat, potentially reaching the 110s due to poor overnight cooling. Winds are expected to weaken, and skies will generally be clearer.
Air Quality: GOOD
This Morning: This morning along the Central Coast, skies are generally clearer than previous days, with lingering low clouds mostly confined to areas near the Monterey Bay and northward toward the SF Bay. South of Half Moon Bay, including much of the Central Coast, conditions are mostly clear. Any remaining cloud cover inland is expected to burn off quickly. With weaker onshore flow, temperatures will start to warm slightly— coastal areas will stay in the 60s to low 70s, while inland valleys begin climbing toward the 80s and 90s later today. Winds will be light, with typical breezy conditions through mountain passes and valleys.
This Evening: This evening along the Central Coast, expect mostly clear skies inland with mild coastal cloud development likely returning near Monterey Bay and the immediate shoreline. Temperatures will gradually cool, with coastal areas dipping into the upper 50s to mid-60s, while inland spots stay warmer into the 70s before cooling overnight. Winds will be light overall, though some locally breezy conditions may persist through gaps and valleys. The marine layer will begin to rebuild overnight, especially near the coast, setting up for another round of morning low clouds tomorrow.
Extended: Looking ahead to the extended forecast. Inland areas will heat up through late week, peaking Thursday and Friday with highs in the 90s to low 100s; some mountain areas may hit 105–110°F. Coastal areas stay much cooler with highs in the 60s to low 70s, thanks to a shallow marine layer. Slight cooling is expected over the weekend, but warm weather continues into next week. Morning coastal clouds and light winds remain typical throughout.