by San Francisco, CA – After a cool and cloudy June and July, California is finally experiencing its first significant heat event of the summer. While much of the state prepares for soaring temperatures, the Bay Area will feel a noticeable warm-up this week — though the intensity will vary depending on how close you are to the coast.
Heat Dome Brings Warmer Conditions
A “Four Corners” high-pressure system — often called a heat dome — is strengthening over the Southwest U.S. this week. This is the first heat dome of the season for California, bringing a return of summer’s trademark warmth after an unusually mild start to the season.
Key fact: The closer you are to the center of a heat dome, the hotter it gets. Through Friday, the center will remain over New Mexico, Arizona, and Southern California, locking in triple-digit heat for those regions.
Wednesday Likely Warmest Day for San Francisco
While the Bay Area will sit far enough from the heat dome’s center to avoid extreme highs, warmer-than-usual weather is expected most of the week.
Meteorologists say Wednesday could be San Francisco’s warmest day of the stretch. The North Pacific high will shift slightly, weakening the typical northwest ocean winds and reducing the onshore flow that usually cools the city. This will allow inland heat to creep toward the coast.
Thursday Brings a Brief Cooldown
As per sfchronicle, By Thursday, the Four Corners high will push northward toward Central California, but its expansion will be slowed by a weak disturbance from the Pacific Northwest.
This atmospheric tug-of-war will deepen the marine layer across the Bay Area, bringing more clouds and cooler coastal temperatures, while interior valleys drop back into the upper 80s.
Weekend Heat Returns for Inland Areas
The break won’t last long. By Friday, a second, stronger wave of interior heat will take hold as the Four Corners system merges with a Northeast Pacific ridge.
This massive high-pressure dome could push Central Valley and Southern California temperatures into the 105°–115°F range and bring near-triple-digit highs to inland Bay Area communities through Sunday.
Sharp Coastal-to-Inland Temperature Differences
As onshore winds strengthen, the difference between coastal and inland temperatures will become more pronounced. By the weekend, coastal spots could be 40 degrees cooler than inland valleys.
Tip for Bay Area residents:
- Coastal towns will stay cool under marine layer clouds.
- Inland areas should prepare for intense afternoon heat and limited nighttime relief.
- Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity during peak afternoon hours.
Will you be heading to the coast to escape this weekend’s heat? Share your plans and tips for staying cool in the Bay Area at ibwhsmag.com.
