Santa Cruz To Heat Up Amid Bay Area Heat Wave: What To Know

SANTA CRUZ, CA — Santa Cruz has been spared from a heat advisory this week as a heat wave sweeps the Golden State and western United States, but much of north and mid-county will be affected.

Thursday and Friday are forecast to be the hottest days of the week. Santa Cruz is expected to face low heat risk, meaning people who are extremely sensitive to heat should take precautions. Residents of the Santa Cruz Mountains are will face moderate heat risk, however, meaning people who are heat-sensitive should remain wary.

A heat advisory is slated to begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday for those in the Santa Cruz Mountains area.

The hottest days of the week will be Thursday and Friday. Farthest inland areas and highest elevations will see their Heat Advisory upgraded to an Excessive Heat Warning as temps approach and exceed 100°F! (other areas still in heat advisory)#BayArea #CAwx pic.twitter.com/emoiRM1jm2
— NWS Bay Area (@NWSBayArea) June 14, 2021

At the coast, people should be on the lookout for rip currents, according to the weather service.

The weather service predicted Sunday that Santa Cruz has a zero percent likelihood of exceeding 100 degrees on the hottest days of the week, but a sliver of the Santa Cruz Mountains area could be affected.

We think the word got out. And the word is: hot. Temps are increasing later this week. Onshore winds keep the coast cooler, starting Wed. inland areas have rising temperatures. A Heat Advisory has been issued from 11 AM Wed. to 11AM Thurs.

But wait, there's more! (next tweet) pic.twitter.com/a6ROSI4cA4
— NWS Bay Area (@NWSBayArea) June 14, 2021

When the heat advisory kicks in, the weather service advises residents to:

• Remain in air conditioning.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest hours.
• Not leave kids or pets in cars.
• Stay hydrated.
• Give extra care to the elderly, kids, pets and plants.
• Be wary of hot pavement when walking dogs.
• Be wary of rip currents at the coast.
• Wear light-colored clothing with a hat.

"Any robust cooling is likely not expected until the weekend," the weather service wrote. "However, that becomes a relative term now that June in the Bay Area is in full swing."

Weather leading into next week is forecast to be warm and dry.

The important thing is to take precautions now. Be sure to check in on those most vulnerable to heat (including pets!) and drink plenty of water. If you have to be outside, use sun tan lotion, take breaks and try and find some shade.#CAwx pic.twitter.com/NAiyKW2gjU
— NWS Bay Area (@NWSBayArea) June 14, 2021