It will be cooler Saturday with onshore flow and some high clouds before a another heat wave moves into the region on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
The incoming hot streak is expected to peak Tuesday and Wednesday and then continue through Friday.
Saturday’s temperatures will only be cooler by about 4 to 8 degrees in coastal areas and valleys and 2 to 4 degrees in inland areas. But even with that cooling, temperatures will be roughly 6 to 12 degrees above normal for most of the area, forecasters said.
Saturday’s high temperatures will end up in the mid 70s to low 80s across the coasts and in the low to mid 80s in the valleys, which is still 8 to 12 degrees over normal.
Temperatures will begin to creep upward Sunday, with most areas seeing a rise of 3 to 8 degrees, the NWS said.
“A large, long-lasting and dangerous heat wave — quite possibly one of the top heat wave events for the month of March, ever” is likely, forecasters said. “[A] long duration summer-like heat wave will lead to increased risk of heat illness, especially for vulnerable people such as the young and old and those without cooling systems.”
Monday’s highs are expected to be in the 80s along the coast and into the mid-90s in the valleys. Tuesday will likely be the hottest day, with coasts ranging from the mid-80s to lower-90s and valley areas ranging from 95 to 102.
“Dangerously high” temperatures are expected to continue through Thursday. Maximum temperatures during next week’s heat wave could be 20 to 30 degrees above normal, forecasters said
Cal/OSHA urged employers this week to take precautions to protect workers as temperatures rise across the state.
“This is one of the first heat waves of the year, with temperatures rising above the seasonal average,” the agency said in a statement. “Employees may not yet be acclimatized to high heat and may need additional breaks and interventions when they adapt to the conditions. Cal/OSHA reminds employers to be vigilant, especially with newer employees, and ensure that employees have shade, water and rest breaks to prevent heat illness.”