A powerful high-pressure system will hover over the entire region until at least the end of the week, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Heat Advisory through Friday night.
“Over the next few days, it’s going to meander to the east and build right overhead and that’s when we’ll expect the highest temperatures,” said weather service meteorologist Ryan Gass. During that period, warm offshore winds and sunny skies will help drive temperatures up to anywhere from 20 degrees to 30 degrees above average, Gass said.
Temperatures are forecast to be in the mid 80s along the coast and up to the mid 90s in interior areas. While people may be tempted to head to the coast to escape the heat, temperatures at many oceanside areas will also be unseasonably warm, with the hottest places, like Santa Cruz, expected to see the low 90s.
The National Weather Service advised limiting outdoor activity and monitoring for heat-related illness. Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated. If caught outside, seek shade.
There is a moderate risk of heatstroke from Sunday through Wednesday and a minor risk all week, through Saturday, according to the Weather Service.
“We generally are encouraging folks to try to remain in the shade if outdoors, take frequent breaks from the heat, if you have access to air conditioning, use it, and never leave pets, children or the elderly in unattended vehicles,” Gass said. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes, according to the weather service.
Worker protections during heat wave
Cal/OSHA is urging employers across California to take steps to prevent heat illness as one of the year’s first heat waves pushes temperatures above seasonal averages this week.
The agency said workers may not yet be acclimated to the heat and may need additional breaks and other protections, especially newer employees.
Under state heat illness prevention rules, employers must provide workers with water, shade and rest breaks and maintain written prevention plans and training for supervisors.
For indoor workplaces such as restaurants, warehouses and manufacturing facilities, Cal/OSHA said protections are required when temperatures reach 82 degrees, including access to water, cool-down areas and rest breaks.
For outdoor workers, employers must provide fresh water, shade when temperatures reach 80 degrees or higher, and cool-down breaks upon request. Additional high-heat protections are required at 95 degrees or higher in industries such as agriculture, construction, landscaping, oil and gas extraction, and some transportation sectors, the agency said.
Cal/OSHA said heat illness can be serious and potentially deadly and urged employers to remain vigilant during the warm spell.