Residents in the Bay Area should prepare for a spike in temperatures as the National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area has extended a Heat Advisory across various regions. According to the Area Forecast Discussion, interior East Bay, South Bay, and the Santa Cruz Mountains will experience temperatures into the 90s to near 100 degrees, with the advisory in effect from 11 AM PDT today and lasting until 8 PM PDT Tuesday. The NWS warns this could increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for sensitive groups and those without effective cooling or hydration options.
In addition to the advisory, coastal fog has been creating hazards for morning commuters. The NWS Bay Area posted an alert about "ideal conditions" for coastal fog with visibility down to 1/4 mile. The juxtaposition of cooler air on W-NW winds undercutting a warmer temperature inversion aloft is responsible for the reduced visibility; drivers should use extra caution on the roads this morning. The Heat advisory remains unchanged from this morning's forecast, with a Moderate Heat Risk in the same regions previously mentioned, as shared in an earlier X Post by NWSBayArea.
No changes in the Heat Advisory for this mornings updated forecast. Beginning at 11 AM PDT today, expect Moderate HeatRisk across the Santa Cruz mtns, Santa Clara Valley, Eastern Santa Clara Hills, East Bay Hills and East Bay Valleys. #Calwx pic.twitter.com/9juDzNmj28
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) September 23, 2024
Looking ahead, the NWS anticipates a shift as early as Wednesday, with a trough developing off the central California coast, which should bring temperatures back down to seasonal averages. This cooling trend is expected to carry through the remainder of the week and into the next weekend, offering a reprieve from the sweltering conditions. However, before this relief, inland areas must brace for one more day of intense heat tomorrow, particularly over the interior North Bay, where the Heat Advisory continues.
Mariners aren't exempt from the effects of this temperature rollercoaster. According to the National Weather Service, northwest winds have decreased noticeably early this week. Still, an expected strengthening later in the week could lead to rougher seas, especially in the outer waters by Thursday. Even though the coastal fog complicates maritime navigation, it is a gentle reminder that the Bay's temperament is as varied as its inhabitants.
