Northern California experiences fall heat wave this week

Northern California is currently experiencing a significant fall heat wave, which began on Monday and is expected to peak on Tuesday. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for the Bay Area, Central Coast, and much of the Central Valley, warning of moderate to major heat risks that could affect vulnerable populations. High temperatures are forecasted to range from the upper 70s to low 100s across various regions, with record temperatures possible. The heat wave is accompanied by weak offshore winds, but a late afternoon sea breeze may provide some relief along the coast. However, fire weather concerns are heightened in higher elevations due to potential wind gusts, prompting Pacific Gas and Electric to implement Public Safety Power Shutoffs in several counties, including Butte, Shasta, and Alameda. The Weather Service anticipates that onshore winds will return by Wednesday afternoon, which should help alleviate conditions along the coast by Thursday. Despite this, inland areas are expected to remain significantly warmer than normal, with temperatures staying 15-20 degrees above average into the weekend and early next week. This prolonged heat poses risks for heat-related health issues and increases the likelihood of wildfires, necessitating ongoing monitoring and safety measures in affected regions.