Summer is not over just yet.
Temperatures in parts of the Bay Area could top 100 degrees before the end of the week, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Heat Advisory for Thursday and Friday.
High pressure is building and will send temperatures anywhere from 10 to 16 degrees above average for this time of year. Residents in the East Bay valleys will be hit hardest with temperatures expected to top 100 degrees.
In San Jose, Oakland and the North Bay valleys including Santa Rosa, Sonoma and Napa, temperatures will reach into the 90s. Along the coast, bay and in San Francisco temperatures will be in the upper 80s.
“We’re going to see some heat reach the Bay Area, essentially impacting parts of the city, South Bay, East Bay and the North Bay all equally,” said meteorologist Scott Rowe. “The temperatures were warming drastically over the last week, where we were below average for a period of time and now we’re back to above normal.”
Officials are asking residents to be aware of those who are vulnerable to heat illnesses as temperatures rise, and are warning people who may seek relief at the beach to be careful of hazards including sneaker waves and strong currents.
The combination of high temperatures, light wind and car exhaust have also prompted air quality officials to issue the year's 14th Spare the Air alert for smog on Friday. Wildfires burning in other parts of Northern California could send smoke into the region, contributing to the unhealthy conditions.
An onshore flow is expected to bring relief to the area sometime Friday. “If it comes earlier it will help subdue temperatures along the immediate coast earlier than expected,” said Rowe. “However if it decides to come later into the evening hours we have an entire afternoon where things can heat on up.”
The heat is not expected to last into the weekend. Rowe predicted the heat wave will be forgotten by Monday, as next week brings the potential for some light rain.