Returning Heat
AIR QUALITY (PM2.5 AQI as of 8AM)
Good for all reporting areas.
High pressure slowly strengthens as it builds in from the northwest over the next few days. As it settles in over our region, it will begin to strengthen and compress our marine layer. This will all lead to a slow warm-up for all areas—perhaps a little bit more notably inland until this weekend. Holiday weekend temperatures will likely range 10-15ºF (or perhaps more) above normal. Inland areas may see their hottest temperatures of the year while at the coast onshore flow will moderate things to some extent. In the meantime, expect the normal cycle of low clouds and onshore winds for the next few days. You can also continue to expect hazy to smoky skies at times with occasionally reduced air quality.
Wednesday: Becoming partly cloudy on the coast with highs in the 60s to low 70s. After morning valley clouds, inland areas will see sunny but smoky conditions with highs in the mid-70s to around 101ºF and afternoon valley winds.
Overnight: Low clouds will fill coastal areas and major inland valleys. Patchy fog possible. Expect coastal lows in the mid-50s to low 60s with 50s inland.
Thursday: Becoming mostly sunny and warmer on the coast with highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s. . After morning valley clouds, inland areas will see sunny but smoky conditions with highs in the 80s to around 104ºF and afternoon valley winds.
Extended: Temperatures will continue to slowly warm through Friday, then jump up much higher this weekend. Coastal clouds will be on a slow decrease as well and may only remain in a very limited fashion Saturday-Monday.
*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 9th – 15th 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.
