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Triple-digit temperatures forecast in East Bay

Weekend heat wave will be worse for central state

By Adam Brinklow
Orange sunlight reflecting off of asphalt. Photo by Kirill Karpov

Fresh summer snow is still fresh in the minds of some Californians after a burst of winter-like June storms less than a week ago.

But now the pendulum swings in the other direction as the National Weather Service warns of a devastating heat wave set to begin this weekend. NWS issued an Excessive Heat Watch Thursday morning:

High pressure building over the west will bring a robust warming trend and hot temperatures to inland communities Friday through Sunday. Saturday and Sunday are expected to be the warmest days, with some areas reaching triple digit temperatures and locations up to 20 degrees above normal.

In San Francisco temperatures won’t soar nearly as high. The forecast calls for a high of 81 degrees on Sunday and lower temperatures the rest of the weekend.

But in Santa Clara County, the high on Sunday could reach 91 degrees. In Napa County, NWS anticipates 99 degree heat that day. And in certain parts of Contra Costa County, like Brentwood, temperatures could soar to 102 as early as Saturday.

But proximity to the coast spares the Bay Area the worst of it. In the Central Valley and other more eastern lying parts of the state things will really start to cook.

Photo by Diego Imai

“Sacramento and its surrounding valley areas could endure triple-digit heat for at least five days,” says the Washington Post.

“Temperatures will reach 118 degrees by Friday in Death Valley, and then hit the sizzling 122-degree mark on Saturday,” reports the LA Times. The paper adds, “The last time it reached 122 degrees in Death Valley was on June 17, 1917.”

The Red Cross warns that “people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than are people living in rural areas” and advises folks stay hydrated during severe heat and that those without air conditioning to head to an indoor public space during the hottest afternoon hours.