The Bay Area is gearing up for a scorcher next week, with temps poised to soar well above seasonal averages. According to the National Weather Service San Francisco, residents can expect "a slim chance" to catch a resplendent sunset this evening due to the declining moisture and high clouds overhead. However, the real heat is slated to hit midweek, so folks might want to start bracing for the mercury's climb. "Currently thinking the Tuesday-Thursday time frame will be the most impactful with moderate Heat Risk across areas outside the daytime marine influence," states the NWS San Francisco forecast discussion.
In anticipation of the temperature surge, now's the time for Bay Area denizens to brush up on heat safety tips and prepare to stay cool as we usher in the summer. This balmy weather will make today's highs in "the mid-to-upper 80s inland, upper 70s to lower 80s for the Bay Shoreline, and a spread in the 60s along the coast" seem like a breezy memory, per NWS. Those living away from the coast will feel the burn most, with the weekend offering a slight reprieve before thermometers begin to ramp up.
The upcoming heat wave is significant enough to have captured the attention of the ECMWF Extreme Forecast Index, which now "highlights the midweek period next week for temps well above average," further bolstering meteorologists' calls for public awareness. With this early heat wave forecast, it's clear that the Western US is bracing to thoroughly warm up, with potential implications for those unprepared for the spike in temperatures.
Outside of the hot weather warning, coastal areas may get some drizzle come Saturday morning as "a weak trough deepens the marine layer," according to the forecast discussion. Meanwhile, marine folks should be wary as gale force gusts will persist through this morning, with "significant wave heights offshore build to 12 feet tonight".
For those keeping an eye on the sky, air traffic seems to be all clear. VFR, or Visual Flight Rules conditions, are anticipated for most areas, except for Monterey Bay, where IFR conditions, that's Instrument Flight Rules for the less vertically inclined, are likely early Friday morning.
Thu-Fri: Nice and warm
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) May 30, 2024
Sat-Mon: Nice and maybe still a little warm.
Wed: ...a little hot? Unless you live along the coast, of course.
Above average temperatures are on their way next week. Now is the time to revisit heat safety as we get into the Summer season.#CAwx pic.twitter.com/acxWr4nVso
