San Francisco Bay Area residents are advised to prepare for a significant temperature increase as a high pressure system moves in from the west. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), this weather shift marks the beginning of a warming trend that is starting today and progressing through mid-week. The NWS predicts "dry and warmer to hotter weather prevailing early to mid week then a slight cooling trend develops late in the week."
With clear skies ahead, the mercury is set to rise, ushering in moderately high HeatRisks, particularly for inland areas. Temperatures are expected to soar into the 90s, with some regions possibly reaching near 100F on Tuesday and Wednesday. Such predictions should prompt locals to plan for the hot weather, especially those with vulnerable family members or pets. In anticipation of these conditions, flying in the area should be ideal for VFR pilots, save for some coastal fog and stronger afternoon winds in some terminals.
As stated in an NWSBayArea X post, "Moderate HeatRisks developing inland with daytime high temperatures reaching the 90s to near 100F Tuesday and Wednesday." This coincides with the NWS advisory pointing towards a decrease in overall precipitable water in the region following the eastward departure of a low-pressure system. Furthermore, as the 500 mb ridge strengthens early in the week, compressional warming is expected to intensify, supporting a significant climb in daytime highs.
A high pressure system builds in resulting in a warming trend beginning today and continuing into mid-week. Moderate HeatRisks developing inland with daytime high temperatures reaching the 90s to near 100F Tuesday and Wednesday. Dry weather is forecast through the week. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/TKspYvXnqQ
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) August 25, 2024
However, the fiery skies will not last throughout the week, as marine layers and potential late-week polar jet streams could relieve the sweltering heat. The conflux of these conditions implies a downturn in temperatures as the week wanes. By the weekend, dry weather is still forecasted, but without the heat punch carried earlier. In matters nautical, sailors should be mindful that gentle to moderate northwesterly winds continue, but fresher winds are expected to ramp up by midweek, particularly over the northern outer waters.
