The National Weather Service extended its heat advisory in the Bay Area Monday as a heat wave continued to blanket the region, leading to power outages and a statewide call to decrease energy use during peak hours. The weather service issued an excessive heat warning Thursday ahead of a sweltering weekend that saw temperatures climb above 100.
On Monday, that heat advisory was extended in the Bay Area and Central Coast through Wednesday with no imminent sign of milder weather. Daily inland afternoon highs will sit in the upper 90s and 100s, forecasters said, with coastal areas sitting in the high 70s and 80s.
Accumulating heat stress is expected to affect the general public, pets, vegetation and livestock across the region.
Following power outages across the Bay Area over the weekend due to the heat, the California Independent System Operator issued a statewide flex alert to call for decreased energy use between 3 and 10 p.m. through Wednesday.
While Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an emergency proclamation to free up energy capacity statewide, the independent system operator suggested residents should still take steps to reduce their energy usage by turning off unnecessary lights, limiting use of major appliances and closing blinds and drapes.
Newsom said he held an all-hands meeting Sunday with officials from the CAISO, the California Public Utilities Commission, the California Energy Commission and the state Office of Emergency Services in anticipation of further power outages this week.
The governor also slammed state energy officials for the weekend blackouts, which he said came with scant warning for residents, communities and governmental organizations.
“Collectively, energy regulators failed to anticipate this event and to take necessary actions to ensure reliable power to Californians,” Newsom said. “This cannot stand. California residents and businesses deserve better from their government.”