Bay Area-wide Spare the Air alert, coastal heat advisory extended through Sunday

A Spare the Air alert for the Bay Area and a  heat advisory for the San Francisco Peninsula coast have been extended through Sunday, the National Weather Service and Bay Area Air Management District announced Saturday.

Inland temperatures are expected to rise to about 93 degrees with coastal highs reaching the 80s, according to the warning issued at 9 a.m. Saturday. The homeless, elderly, children and pets will be at risk of heat-related illnesses while those without effective cooling or adequate hydration at greatest risk, according to the NWS advisory.

“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances,” read the warning which also suggested strenuous outdoor activities be rescheduled for the early morning or late evening.

The advisory initially warned of high temperatures from the East Bay, South Bay and eastern San Mateo County south through the Santa Cruz Mountains, southern Salinas Valley, interior Monterey County and San Benito County.

Temperature records previously set in 1985 were broken Thursday in San Jose (101 degrees) and Salinas (99). On the same day, King City (103 degrees) broke a record set in 1980. San Jose again surpassed previous markers Friday with temperatures reaching 98 degrees, two points higher than the previous record of 96 was set in 1987.

The Spare the Air alert issued Saturday for Sunday, warning the public ozone pollution is expected to reach unhealthy levels, marks the 14th issued this year and sixth since Monday.

Originally Published: October 5, 2024 at 2:37 p.m.