NORTHERN CALIFORNIA >> With summer’s official start on the calendar scheduled for Thursday, the National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat advisory with triple-digit temperatures expected and fire danger possible Friday through the weekend throughout Northern California communities from the mountains on southwestern Shasta County to Northern Lake County, Clear Lake and Southern Lake County.
According to the weather service warning, a rapid warming and drying trend is in store this week with high pressure building over the region. Impacts to the region include high heat risk to the general population, and especially to sensitive groups like children and the elderly. There is a potential for heat-related illness to humans, pets, and livestock with long outdoor exposure.
Widespread valley temperatures from 100 to 106 degrees and day conditions with gusty north winds will increase the potential for easier fire starts and rapid spread, according to the Sacramento-based weather report for Lakeport.
The Bay Area’s first triple-digit temperature day of the summer might also be right around the corner.
Following a slight warming trend from Tuesday to Thursday, temperatures are expected to soar Friday into Saturday, with many inland communities threatening to reach 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
Cities that could reach triple digits on Saturday include Pleasanton, Livermore and Concord in the East Bay and Los Gatos, Morgan Hill and Gilroy in the South Bay, according to Matt Mehle, a meteorologist with the weather service.
“If we’re going to have a run at close to triple digits, it’s more likely on Saturday,” Mehle said.
The entire region will experience a slight warming trend beginning Tuesday, with temperatures ranging from 4 to 8 degrees higher than Monday, according to the weather service. Temperatures will remain above average Wednesday and Thursday, with expected highs in the mid to upper 80s across much of the Bay Area, before the heat arrives Friday.
Mehle said the one “saving grace” to the weekend warm up is that overnight temperatures will drop into the 50s, providing much-needed relief.
And for those who want to escape the daytime heat?
“Head to the coast,” Mehle said, where the daytime high in Monterey is expected to be 70 degrees. “There will still be some coastal breeze coming in,” Mehle said. “It will provide relief for the immediate coastline.”
