Tracking Weekend Heat
AIR QUALITY (PM2.5 AQI as of 7PM)
Good to moderate for all reporting areas.
A strong ridge of high pressure will anchor over the West Coast into the Holiday Weekend. This ridge will compress the marine layer under a hot, dry dome of air. Temperatures will warm every day through around Sunday, then taper off into next week. At the peak, some areas may see their hottest temperatures of the year. Coastal areas will benefit from a light onshore breeze, but temperatures will be well above normal there as well. The ridge will also trap smoke from area wildfires in the area, keeping air quality reduced and skies very hazy. There is some potential for offshore winds on the back side of this heat event—roughly TUE/WED which could lead to enhanced fire concerns.
Overnight: Low clouds return to the coast and eventually the nearby valleys with patchy fog possible. Expect lows in the 50s.
Thursday: Becoming mostly sunny (hazy) and warmer on the coast with highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s. After morning valley fog, inland areas will see sunny but smoky conditions with highs in the upper 70s to around 102ºF and afternoon valley winds.
Friday: Mostly sunny & hazy. Warmer, with coastal highs in the upper 60s to upper 70s, 80s to around 105ºF inland. Breezy for inland valleys in the afternoon.
Extended: Temperatures will max out on Sunday, some 10-20ºF above normal, then cool into next week. While there may be a few low clouds on the coast on occasion, mostly sunny/hazy conditions will be more common.
*EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH*… in effect from Saturday morning through Monday evening for the following areas:
- Santa Cruz Mountains
- Southern Santa Clara County
- the southern valleys and higher terrain of San Benito County
- the southern valleys and higher terrain of Monterey County including the Salinas Valley south of Soledad
… from the National Weather Service:
Daytime temperatures for inland areas will gradually warm on Friday, but the peak of the heat will occur over the weekend and Labor Day. The Santa Cruz County coast could warm to the mid-80s and lower 90s on Saturday and Sunday. Other coastal areas should remain relatively mild (70s to around 80) compared to inland areas given light onshore flow. Significant temperature differences from the coast to a few miles inland could drive an excessive number of persons towards the coast to seek relief from the heat. Individuals are advised to check with local authorities on potential closures of parks and beaches and be aware of any special requirements for visiting such areas. Overnight lows will range from the upper 50s to mid-60s, and even 70s in the hills, which may limit the amount of typical overnight relief from the heat.
Heat related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke can occur due to prolonged exposure to hot temperatures. People most vulnerable include those who are spending a significant amount of time outdoors, those without air conditioning, young children, the elderly, and those with chronic ailments. Additional societal impacts due to people seeking relief by traveling from hotter inland areas to cooler coastal areas.
Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates on this situation. It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
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This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 54ºF
HIGH: 72ºF
--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 51ºF
HIGH: 86ºF
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-The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for September 10th – 16th calls for the likelihood of ABOVE normal temperatures and near normal precipitation. Note: Little to no precipitation typically falls this time of year.
-El Niño/La Niña STATUS: Neutral
-Forecast into Winter: La Niña Watch
-Area drought status: Moderate drought for much of Santa Cruz & Santa Clara Counties, Abnormally dry on the east shore of the bay into San Benito County. No drought classification for much of Monterey County outside of the Gabilan Range.
