A projected forecast of triple-digit temperatures has led the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue a heat advisory for much of the Bay Area.
The heat advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. — 7 p.m. Wednesday (9/9) and again from 11 a.m. — 7 p.m. Thursday (9/10).
Meteorologists expect daytime temperatures to register between 10 and 20 degrees above seasonal averages, according to the NWS. Temperatures should peak around 4 p.m. with thermometers hitting 102 degrees in the Mountain View-Los Altos-Los Altos Hills area on Wednesday and 100 degrees on Thursday. The interior valleys will experience temperatures as high as 105 degrees. Locally, relief won’t arrive until Saturday when forecasted daily temperature highs dip to the upper 80s.
The unusual forecast is due to building high pressure over the state, according to the NWS.
Law enforcement and health officials urge residents to exercise caution by drinking plenty of water, limiting their intake of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing and waiting until the coolest times of day – typically in the early mornings and late evenings – to engage in strenuous activity. Never leave children, the elderly, disabled adults or pets in parked vehicles and promptly report those who do to law enforcement. Make provisions for pets left unattended within homes without air conditioning. Recommended options include operating fans, leaving plenty of cool drinking water and shading windows.
Santa Clara County offers several free “cooling centers” providing air-conditioned relief from the heat. The closest such facility is the Mountain View Senior Center, 255 Escuela Ave. Call 2-1-1 for hours. A list of additional facilities is available online.
The NWS issues heat advisories within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions. Typically the advisory indicates a maximum heat index temperature above 100 degrees for at least two days.
For additional information, visit the National Weather Service online, www.weather.gov.
