Bay Area/ San Jose

South Bay Scorcher: San Jose Set to Bake in March Heat Wave

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Published on March 16, 2026
South Bay Scorcher: San Jose Set to Bake in March Heat WaveSource: Pi.1415926535, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

San Jose started today under clear skies and a cool 54°F, but the chill will not stick around. Inland neighborhoods are headed for highs near 88°F today, with a longer run of low- to mid-90s likely from tomorrow until Friday, while coastal areas hang onto noticeably cooler temperatures.

Heat Advisory And Timing

According to the National Weather Service, a Heat Advisory is in effect from 10 AM today through 8 PM on Friday for much of the Bay Area and Central Coast. Forecasts call for inland highs in the low to mid 90s during the middle of the week, with Tuesday and Wednesday looking like the peak. Overnight lows in valley neighborhoods are only expected to slip into the upper 50s and low 60s, which means limited cooling after dark. The advisory highlights a higher risk for people without reliable air conditioning, outdoor workers, young children and older adults, especially during the afternoon.

Where It Will Feel Hottest

The heat will be most intense away from the immediate coast, including the southern Salinas Valley, the Gabilan Range and much of the Santa Clara Valley. Downslope or offshore warming could nudge Santa Cruz into the low 90s, and some interior Central Coast locations may flirt with the upper 90s later in the week. In low-lying areas, overnight temperatures will not drop much, so the warmth will linger into the night.

Cooling Options And Safety Tips

Santa Clara County notes that libraries and community centers often operate as cooling centers during heat events, and the county’s heat-safety resources list locations and hours. Staying ahead of the heat means drinking plenty of water, avoiding strenuous work between 10 AM and 3 PM, and never leaving children or pets in parked cars, even for a short time. If you or someone you look after does not have reliable cooling, it is worth planning now for a place to go during the hottest part of the day.

Afternoon Winds And Fire Safety

Forecasters are also flagging periods of dry offshore breezes that could briefly kick up afternoon gusts and increase the risk of grass and brush fires as fuels dry out. Avoid open flames or risky outdoor equipment use during the windiest, hottest periods, and secure lightweight outdoor furniture so it does not go tumbling down the block. If you are planning long stretches outside, keep an eye on guidance from local fire agencies and on updated weather alerts.