Record Heat

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. At the peak on Sunday, 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/Tuesday which could add to fire concerns in the hot, dry climate.

***EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING***
… 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
- Coastal Santa Cruz 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*
… through 9PM Monday for the following areas:
- 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.

Overnight: 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. Otherwise, smoky skies.

Labor Day: Sunny, smoky, and hot—just slightly cooler, with coastal highs in the upper 70s to upper 90s and widespread 100s-110s inland. Breezy for the valleys in the afternoon.

Extended: Temperatures are likely to slowly trend downward through the week with the eventual return of fog/low clouds to the coast by Wednesday.


***RED FLAG WARNING***
All fire weather watches have been upgraded to RED FLAG WARNINGS. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for the DIABLO RANGE in SANTA CLARA COUNTY from 10PM Monday to 8AM Wednesday. In addition, a Red Flag Warning is in effect for the SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS from 10AM Tuesday to 8AM Wednesday. After low pressure drops over the intermountain west beginning late Monday, winds will shift to the north-northeast and becoming gusty in the east bay hills by Monday evening and in the Santa Cruz mountains by Tuesday morning. Locally gusty offshore winds will then continue at times in the north and east bay hills and Santa Cruz Mountains through Wednesday morning. In conjunction with these locally gusty offshore winds, poor overnight humidity recoveries are expected with the absence of a marine layer.

For the DIABLO RANGE in SANTA CLARA COUNTY, expect sustained north to northeast winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts 30 to 45 mph above 1000 feet. Local gusts at isolated peaks and ridgetops may approach 50 mph. Strongest winds expected late Monday night and Tuesday morning.

Poor overnight recoveries 20 to 35 percent. Daytime humidity values 10 to 20, locally lower values possible.
For the SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS, expect sustained north to northeast winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts 25 to 35 mph above 1000 feet. Strongest winds expected on Tuesday.

Poor overnight recoveries 20 to 35 percent. Daytime humidity values 10 to 20, locally lower values possible.

Highest peaks, especially along the Santa Cruz/Santa Clara county line will see the highest threat.

Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now...or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 54ºF
HIGH: 72ºF

--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 51ºF
HIGH: 86ºF

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for September 14^th – 20^th 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.