Forecast Indicates Risk of Unhealthy Heat for Wednesday
Risk Levels: Some Moderate High
Source: National Weather Service
Notes: This map displays risk levels in three tiers:
- Some: There is a possibility of extreme weather in the area.
- Moderate: Damaging weather is likely to occur in the area.
- High: Extreme and dangerous weather is expected in the area.
San Francisco, known for its iconic fog featured on postcards, seldom experiences temperatures exceeding 90 degrees. It is even rarer for this coastal California city to reach such highs in October.
However, on Tuesday, San Francisco recorded a temperature of 94 degrees.
In response to the heat, officials have issued an excessive heat warning that will remain in effect through Thursday, urging residents to utilize cooling centers, and public pools, and take advantage of free ferry rides available on Wednesday. Meanwhile, temperatures in some inland areas have surpassed 100 degrees.
“It’s quite uncommon for temperatures to reach the 90s in San Francisco, and even more so in October,” he noted. “The last time we hit 94 degrees in October was back in 2012.”
The heat is projected to peak mid-week, particularly from Tuesday to Thursday, but high temperatures are anticipated to continue into the weekend. Mr. Flynn characterized this heatwave as a “long-duration” event, which can increase the risk of illness and potentially lead to heat-related fatalities.
Individuals cool off at Crissy Field in San Francisco on Tuesday.Credit: Scott Strazzante/San Francisco Chronicle, via Associated Press
Inland from San Francisco, temperatures have soared even higher this week. On Tuesday, Santa Rosa reached 102 degrees, while San Rafael hit 105 degrees. San Jose also recorded a high of 100 degrees. All three cities broke their previous records for October 1, which were established during a heatwave in 1980, according to the National Weather Service.
Mr. Flynn, the meteorologist, explained that the cause of this week’s heat is offshore winds blowing from inland areas toward the coast. Typically, San Francisco remains cool even when nearby inland cities like Sacramento experience extreme heat, thanks to the Pacific Ocean and the breezes coming in from the ocean that create what is known as the marine layer.
“The only way we can experience these high temperatures along the coast is through offshore winds blowing from inland out to sea,” Mr. Flynn explained. “When that happens, it brings much drier air, resulting in a very dry heat.”
Other regions of California have also recorded temperatures significantly above average for this time of year, as a heatwave affecting the Southwest has led to alarmingly high temperatures in Southern and Central California.
Officials have raised concerns about the dry heat, as it increases the risk of wildfires during a season when flames have already consumed over a million acres. Mr. Flynn noted that the National Weather Service monitors the dryness of potential wildfire fuel, stating, “We’re basically as dry as it gets.”
As temperatures continue to rise in Southern California, the Line Fire, which has been burning for nearly a month in San Bernardino County, flared up over the weekend, prompting officials to issue new evacuation orders.
Pacific Gas & Electric announced it would cut power to thousands of customers in and around the Bay Area this week due to fire risks associated with high winds and low humidity. However, most planned outages for Tuesday were later canceled.
Inland, the company did proceed with power shutoffs in Shasta, Tehama, and Butte counties, according to local media reports. In recent years, utility equipment in California has ignited fires during dry conditions.
Alongside the increased fire risk, the ongoing heat wave has raised typical concerns, especially in areas like the Bay Area where many residents lack air conditioning. Some coastal cities are ill-equipped to handle temperatures exceeding 90 degrees, prompting officials to advise people to check on their elderly and disabled neighbors.
Heat waves can be particularly dangerous when nighttime temperatures remain high. This has been the case in recent days in areas like the Santa Cruz Mountains, where overnight temperatures lingered in the mid-80s, according to the National Weather Service. Studies indicate that deaths can increase by 10 to 50 percent on nights that stay hot, making it harder for individuals to cool down after a scorching day.
Those who work outdoors or are experiencing homelessness face an even greater risk during heat waves. In San Francisco, there is a specific protocol for checking on individuals living outdoors during extreme heat. Outreach teams conduct more frequent wellness checks, distribute bottled water, and assess individuals for symptoms of heat-related illnesses, as noted by Andrea Walker, a spokeswoman for the San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing.
The city has also set up several temporary shelters, and outreach teams are providing vouchers for those in need of transportation, she said.
What to Know During Extreme Heat
- Staying Safe: We consulted emergency room doctors for their recommendations on protecting yourself from dehydration, heat stroke, and other serious health issues.
- Keeping Cool Indoors: If it’s too hot to go outside, here are ways to stay comfortable at home, whether you have air conditioning or not.
- Sleeping Tips: High temperatures can disrupt your sleep quality and duration. These simple strategies can help you achieve a better night’s rest during hot weather.
- Medications: Certain medications, including some antidepressants and blood pressure medications, can increase your risk of heat-related illnesses.
- Heat Acclimatization: You can train your body to better tolerate high temperatures in just a few weeks. Here’s how to do it.
- Travel: Oppressive heat may affect your travel plans this summer. Follow these tips and precautions to safeguard yourself and your vacation budget.
