A near record-setting heat wave is expected to envelop the Bay Area beginning Wednesday.
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory, which will begin Wednesday at 11 a.m. and run through Friday at 9 p.m. The vast majority of the region is under an excessive heat warning, with temperatures in some inland areas projected to reach as high as 108 degrees, according to projections.
Most of the Bay Area will, at minimum, deal with 90-degree temperatures on Thursday.
The looming heat wave coincides with California’s exceptionally dry year, and nearly all of the Bay Area is now in extreme or excessive drought conditions. PG&E said last week it anticipates cutting Northern California customers’ power more frequently this fall due to the drought-induced higher wildfire risk.
As of right now, this week’s extreme heat isn’t expected to lead to more power outages.
California ISO, which manages electrical flow on high-voltage lines across the state, said Monday it doesn’t anticipate rotating outages.
The agency could, however, issue a "Flex Alert" and call for customers to conserve electricity later in the week.
Should an alert be issued, consumers would be asked to pre-cool their homes and charge their devices and cars before 4 p.m. while avoiding the use of major appliances between 4 and 9 p.m.
"Last year, we believe that consumer conservation saved us from subsequent and longer rotating outages, both in August and September," the agency said in a statement.
Once the heat arrives, the National Weather Service has advised Bay Area residents to drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activities outside during the hottest parts of the day, spend time in air-conditioned buildings and help the elderly, children and pets stay cool.
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