Deadly Heat Dome To Shift West Over CA: What To Expect In The Bay Area

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — The heat dome that set dozens of records across the East Coast while claiming 20 lives is expected to shift west, settling over California in mid-July with the first major heat wave of the summer.

A marine heat wave and storms over the Pacific Ocean are expected to create a ridge of high pressure over the West Coast in the coming weeks, trapping the hot air above California, Arizona, and Utah. Inland valleys and mountains will start to see above-average temperatures after an unseasonably cool start to the summer, according to AccuWeather's long-range forecast.

This warming trend is not expected to bring the same widespread dangerous heat to the Bay Area as seen in Southern California deserts and inland valleys this week. Still, the heat dome that has plagued the East Coast is returning to California, where it will draw monsoon moisture and heighten wildfire risk across much of the Golden State in the second half of July, according to AccuWeather's long-range forecaster, Paul Pastelok.

This week, the National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area meteorologists say temperatures will remain seasonably cool along the coast, and the East Bay and North Bay through Tuesday. Then, a warming trend arrives Wednesday and Thursday with the highest temperatures in the warmest interior parts of the region, hitting the low 90s in parts of the Tri-Valley.

Coastal areas, including San Francisco and San Mateo County, will stay cooler under the marine layer, though dangerous beach conditions are expected Tuesday through Friday, according to area forecasts.

Dry, Summer-Warm Weather Arrives Wednesday, Concerns At Coast

From the Sierras to the Bay Area, warmer-than-average temperatures were expected this week. Tuesday will be the coolest day of the week, with temperatures rising a few degrees as the weekend approaches.

Beachgoers should be aware that dangerous surf conditions exist at the shore starting Tuesday through Friday. Hazards include sneaker waves, strong rip currents and large breaking waves until Friday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service's beach hazard statement.

Remember To Keep Yourself And Your Pets Heat-Safe This Summer

The National Weather Service urges residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun and check on relatives and neighbors when the days turn hot.

"People working or exercising outside should take extra precautions, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, limit strenuous activity to the early morning or evening, and watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke," the NWS advises.

Pet owners should be reminded that pets need to be kept cool. During hot weather, be mindful of hot pavement on sensitive paws, never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle, and keep them with ample water and shade.

Day-By-Day Guide

Monday, July 6: Seasonably cool to mild across much of the Bay Area. San Francisco stays in the mid-60s, Oakland near the upper 60s, Livermore and Concord in the low 80s, and Napa/Sonoma generally in the 70s.

Tuesday, July 7: The marine layer remains influential, especially near the coast and bayshore. NWS Bay Area expects coastal stratus to return inland overnight and retreat toward the coast during the afternoon. Beach hazards begin for Pacific-facing beaches.

Wednesday, July 8: The warmup becomes more noticeable inland. Napa reaches the mid-80s, Sonoma approaches the upper 80s, Livermore returns to the low 80s and San Francisco remains in the upper 60s.

Thursday, July 9: The warmest day of the week for many inland communities. Livermore is forecast around 90, Napa around 91 and Sonoma around 93, while San Francisco stays near 69 and San Mateo near 73. NWS Bay Area said isolated pockets of Moderate HeatRisk are possible in the warmest interior spots.

Friday, July 10: Inland temperatures begin to ease, though the region remains warm away from the coast. The Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect through Friday afternoon for Pacific Coast beaches.

By early next week, another warmup is in store with inland temperatures reaching the low 90s on Monday.