As Temperatures Soar In NorCal, Officials Warn Of Fire Risk

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — A heat advisory went into effect for much of the San Francisco Bay Area on Monday with temperatures forecast to soar well above average, according to the National Weather Service.

Weather officials were urging Bay Area residents to stay hydrated, check on elderly neighbors, avoid strenuous activities outdoors and watch for hot pavement when walking dogs.

Sunny skies and temperatures well above normal were forecast for the Bay Area Monday with highs in the 70s along the coast, in the 80s and 90s around the bay and up to 103 in north bay and interior valleys. Overnight lows were expected to remain in the mid-50s.

The heat was expected to gradually fade Tuesday, with temperatures expected to return to normal by Wednesday.

"Hot temperatures return to the interior this Memorial Day while onshore flow will keep conditions cooler near the coast," NWS officials tweeted. "The warmest temperatures look to impact the North Bay and East Bay this afternoon. Stay hydrated."

Hot temperatures were in store for interior communities on Monday. The heat advisory begins at noon for the North and East Bay mountains and valleys.

Due to hazardous temperatures a Heat Advisory has been issued for Monday May 31st from noon through 9 PM PDT.

Make sure you find ways to beat the heat and stay hydrated!#CAwx pic.twitter.com/u6Ju3E3Bp1
— NWS Bay Area (@NWSBayArea) May 28, 2021

"Heat Risk concerns are not just in the Bay Area, but a large portion of Northern California and the Central Valley," officials tweeted Sunday.

Temperatures in the Central Valley were forecast to rise 10-20 degrees above average from Sunday to Tuesday, officials said.

A combination of dry fuels all over Northern California and worsening drought has also placed fire agencies on alert for newly sparked wildfires.

Cal Fire officials also warned residents to be extra conscious when grilling outdoors over the weekend.

"Avoid potential burn injuries and prevent a fire emergency by never leaving your BBQ or grill unattended and keeping kids and pets at least 3ft away," Cal Fire tweeted.

The agency urged campers to ensure that campfires were ignited in a safe and permitted location.

"Selecting a level, open location away from heavy fuels such as logs, brush or decaying leaves & needles will help prevent a fire disaster," Cal Fire officials said.

Last year, California weathered some extreme heatwaves, which triggered rolling power blackouts for some parts of the state as California's power grid operator experienced energy supply outages.

This year, the state's operator — California Independent System Operator — said it is better prepared for possibly stressed grid conditions caused by extreme heat. CAISO said it anticipates increased electrical demand over the hot Memorial Day weekend, but maintained that projections showed sufficient electricity available to serve the spike in demand.

"The ISO continues to closely monitor conditions and will provide updates as necessary," officials said. "If weather or system conditions worsen, the ISO may issue a series of notifications to utilize additional resources, preparing market participants and the public for potential energy shortages and the need to conserve."

SEE ALSO: 4 Key Things To Know About CA's 2021 Wildfire Season