High temperatures in the San Francisco Bay Area are expected to soar into the 90s on Thursday, according to forecasts. Some locations might approach 100 degrees, warned the National Weather Service.
The region is experiencing a brief stint of heat exceeding seasonal averages, prompting fire officials to keep a close watch on the dry, windy conditions that could quickly escalate into dangerous situations.
San Francisco is projected to reach 82 degrees, 16 degrees above the historical norm. Coastal areas will remain cooler, likely in the 60s and 70s, while inland valleys could see temperatures rise into the 90s. Elevations might touch triple digits, stated Rachel Kennedy from the Weather Service’s Bay Area office.
“Mountain areas north of the Bay and parts of the East Bay Hills are under a red flag warning from 11 p.m. Wednesday until 9 a.m. Thursday.”
This alert indicates that dry conditions combined with weather can enhance the risk of fast-spreading wildfires. Pacific Gas & Electric, the region’s primary power utility, has proactively shut off power to certain homes and businesses due to heightened fire risks.
Wind gusts could reach up to 45 miles per hour, with some areas experiencing over 60 miles per hour, according to Kennedy.
Fortunately, cooler weather is expected by Sunday. San Francisco should see a sunny 71 degrees. In the meantime, fire officials urge caution among residents.
In East Bay parks, activities such as campfires, barbecues, welding, and off-road driving are banned under elevated fire restrictions. The main concern is human actions, not lightning or natural events. Routine tasks, like lawn mowing or yard work, can unintentionally ignite wildfires, explained Khari Helae, assistant fire chief for East Bay Regional Park District.
“Ninety percent of fires are human-caused, so restricting human actions could eliminate 90 percent of the problem,” noted Helae.
Mark Walker reports on breaking news and culture for the Times.