Very Hot Weekend
AIR QUALITY (PM2.5 AQI as of 7PM)
All locations good to moderate as of this hour.
A strong ridge of high pressure will settle in 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 with some inland locations exceeding 115ºF. 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 light offshore winds on Monday which could add to fire concerns in the hot, dry climate.
Overnight: Low clouds slow to redevelop, but should swirl around the bay and into nearby valleys. Patchy fog possible. Expect lows in the 50s.
Friday: Mostly sunny & hazy. Warmer, with coastal highs in the upper 60s to upper 70s, 80s to around 103ºF inland. Breezy for inland valleys and the exposed coast in the afternoon.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, hazy, and warmer yet. Expect coastal highs in the 70s to around 90ºF with 90s to around 110ºF inland. Breezy for inland valleys in the afternoon.
Extended: Temperatures will peak on Sunday, roughly 15-30ºF above normal for this time of year. Record highs will likely be broken for many areas. Coastal areas will see slight relief from the sea breeze, but all areas will be hot. Light offshore winds will increase fire danger in the hills overnight and low temperatures may not drop out of the 70s-80s. Most valley bottoms will see relief with lows in the 60s. Highs will cool slightly Monday and Tuesday but will remain above normal. Onshore winds will strengthen each day next week with cooler temperatures and the return of low clouds.
***EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING***
… from 11AM Saturday through 9PM Monday for the following areas:
- Salinas Valley (Salinas – Gonzalez – Soledad – Greenfield – King City to Bradley)
- Carmel Valley
- The higher terrain and southern valleys of Monterey County
- Santa Cruz Mountains (including valleys)
- Santa Clara County
- San Benito County
Expect dangerously hot conditions with high temperatures in the 90 to 110s, with maximum temperatures of 115ºF possible in interior locations. Overnight low temperatures will be in the
60s and 70s, with higher elevations remaining in the 80s.
*Heat Advisory*
…from 11AM Saturday through 9PM Monday for the following areas:
- Coastal Santa Cruz County
- Coastal Monterey County
Temperatures will increase this weekend with high temperatures in the 70s to 80s, hottest temperatures are expected on Sunday and Monday. Overnight low temperatures will be in the upper 50s and 60s, with no relief from the marine layer.
* * *
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.
High pressure over the region will keep a stagnant air pattern in place. With wildfires still burning around the region, smoke and haze will still be around the region. Additionally these temperatures that are forecast for the weekend have the potential to be record breaking and the
hottest temperatures experienced this year.
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. 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 11th – 17th calls for the likelihood of ABOVE normal temperatures and near normal precipitation.
-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.
