Bay Area Faces 'Near-Critical Fire Weather' As Heat Advisory Extended

BAY AREA, CA—A National Weather Service heat advisory for the greater San Francisco Bay Area was previously set to expire Thursday night but has been extended as the region experiences high temperatures 10-20 degrees above normal.

During the advisory period, which now ends at 8 p.m. Friday, temperatures were forecast to remain in the 95-105 range, as they have for most of this week.

"Hot and dry conditions will continue through Friday, resulting in widespread moderate to locally major heat risk and near-critical fire weather conditions," the weather service said in an area forecast discussion Thursday morning.

The weather advisory encompasses the Marin Coastal Range, Sonoma Coastal Range, North Bay Interior Mountains, North Bay Interior Valleys, East Bay Interior Valleys, Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Clara Valley including San Jose, Eastern Santa Clara Hills, East Bay Hills, Southern Salinas Valley, Arroyo Seco, Lake San Antonio, Santa Lucia Mountains and Los Padres National Forest, Mountains of San Benito and Interior Monterey County including Pinnacles National Park.

Temperatures up to 110 degrees are forecast in the Carquinez Strait, Delta-San Joaquin Valley, and the Fairfield/Suisun area.

The National Weather Service's San Francisco Bay Area operations team considered issuing fire weather products for the Santa Lucias and Santa Cruz mountains but consulted with neighboring offices and decided to hold off as the diurnally driven winds were not expected to last long enough to reach critical fire weather criteria.

"Nevertheless, we are still anticipating near-critical fire weather conditions across the interior through Friday," the Bay Area team said.

Widespread moderate to locally major heat risk affects people sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration, the weather service said.

"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."

Those who work or spend time outside were encouraged to take extra precautions such as wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and rescheduling strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke include:

• High body temperature (103°F or higher)
• Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
• Fast, strong pulse
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Losing consciousness (passing out)

"Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911."