As the summer heat takes hold in the Bay Area, San Francisco is gearing up for a scorcher. According to the National Weather Service, the mercury is set to climb into the 80s and could even touch 90 in some more sheltered inland spots today and Saturday. The coastal areas, however, will find some reprieve with onshore breezes keeping temperatures cooler.
The city's diverse topography plays its part in this split-weather scenario, with a "moderate HeatRisk" forecasted for inland areas during the daytime. The high pressure system sitting aloft from the northeast Pacific through the Pacific Northwest maintains these warm and dry conditions, particularly at elevations above the marine layer, tracking under 300 feet, according to the Fort Ord profiler this morning. Despite the heartiness of the sun, those coastal winds will ensure that tamping down the thermostat by the bay is a job they can handle.
But with this spike in temperatures comes a need for caution. The National Weather Service has issued some guidelines to beat the heat: "stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, reduce time spent outdoors or stay in the shade, never leave people or pets unattended in vehicles, and use sunscreen if going to the coast or the pool." These precautionary measures are critical for residents to avoid heat-related illnesses as the warmth intensifies.
Cooling centers are not on the agenda yet. However, the "probabilistic forecasts indicate a high (70%+) probability for high temperatures to reach 80 degrees or warmer for almost all areas, sans the coast and coastal marine-influenced valleys." This advice from NWS should not be taken lightly. Relief will come at nightfall, with temperatures expected to drop back into the 50s and lower 60s in the hills, granting a respite from the day's sizzle.
Looking ahead, the National Weather Service predicts "a slight cooldown" early next week as the upper ridge starts to weaken. But a "moderate HeatRisk" will persist through Saturday, so don't ditch those fans just yet. Marine conditions, meanwhile, are set to remain calm, with gentle breezes and fair weather dominating until next week, when winds pick up and significant wave heights build, so boaters should take heed.
