Bay Area temperatures peak as heat dome lingers over region; Relief coming Friday
SAN FRANCISCO -- An October heat wave lingered over the Bay Area Thursday, nudging thermometers closer to record-breaking temperatures ahead of relief forecast for the region Friday.
Temperatures rose quickly Thursday morning, with some inland areas hitting the upper 70s and even the 80 degree mark before it was 8 a.m.
Among the high temperatures around the Bay Area were 95 in Santa Rosa, 91 in Concord, 95 in Danville and 90 in Livermore in the East Bay. San Francisco and Oakland got up to 87, while San Jose hit 93.
KPIX Weather Center: Current conditions, alerts, maps for your area
While a heat advisory remains in effect until 11 p.m., also of serious concern are the dangers presented by the surf for those trying to take a dip and cool off.
A high surf advisory went into effect at 7 a.m., with waves as high as 22 feet expected in some coastal areas Weather officials were warning of strong rip currents and sneaker waves as well. Beachgoers are advised to use caution and never turn your back to the ocean.
The conditions helped trigger a Spare the Air alert for the region on Thursday.
As temperatures soared to nearly 90 degrees in San Francisco, residents flocked to their favorite outdoor spots to escape the heatwave.
Dolores Park, known as a sunny oasis in the heart of San Francisco, was teeming with people seeking refuge from the scorching weather. Local resident Janet Portales enjoyed a spot in the shade.
"We're just here enjoying the sun in the shade. Having a picnic today," she said.
For many, the park was the perfect spot to cool off. Janet, a nanny, decided to spend her day reading and playing with her little one.
"For us, it's like 77 to 80, which is nothing compared to other places. But that's scorching for us San Franciscans," Janet said.
Michelle Branch, a lawyer working nearby, also opted for an outdoor lunch break at Dolores Park.
"It is hot, but I am cooling down. And I decided to take my lunch break outside because it's so beautiful to see people outside enjoying San Francisco," Branch said.
With apartments lacking air conditioning, more and more residents sought solace in public spaces. As Janet predicted, Dolores Park quickly filled up.
Some headed to Ocean Beach, where the high surf advisory provided relief. The beach was an ideal playground for surfers Joseph Hardeman and Stanley Christensen, though the higher surf presented some imposing waves.
"It's got some big waves coming in, and there are some long, long sets. [It takes] a lot of effort,"
"It was good. It was challenging. All the different emotions," added Christensen.
Lifeguards were on high alert, reminding beachgoers of the dangers of sneaker waves and riptides, ensuring everyone enjoyed the beach safely.
Luckily, after cooking under steamy temperatures for the past two days, KPIX Chief Meteorologist Paul Heggen says the Bay Area will get a break with a 10-degree drop Friday. An additional 10-degree drop is also expected Saturday.
Besides the cooler temps, there is also an increasing chance of showers Saturday night into Sunday, though any measurable precipitation still won't amount to much more than a few hundredths of an inch of moisture. The best chance for a light sprinkle will be along the coast and in the North Bay.
The pattern near average or slightly below-average temperature extends from the weekend through most of next week.
