National Weather Service

Blistering Temperatures Prompt Excessive Heat Warnings Across Bay Area

A sweltering heat wave once again reared its head Saturday as blistering temperatures roasted the Bay Area.

An excessive heat warning for the entire region is in effect until 9 p.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. That warning will continue for inland areas until 9 p.m. Monday.

Several inland areas soared well above the 100-degree mark Saturday, with some locations such as Livermore peaking at 108 degrees, according to weather officials. San Francisco maxxed out at 102 degrees, marking just the third time since 1874 that the city by the bay has witnessed back-to-back days over 100 degrees. Elsewhere, Oakland reached 99 degrees while San Jose topped out at 107 degrees.

The hot weather prompted a number of cities across the Bay Area, including usually cool San Francisco, to open cooling centers for those looking for heat relief.

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Folks across the toasty East Bay and Tri-Valley made a beeline for watering holes or movie theaters in hopes of beating the heat.

"The threater, it's going to be cool," Leo Robles of Tracy said. "It's always cool. Out here it's like really burning hot, and it's early in the morning. It shouldn't be like this."

Others in the East Bay flocked to cooling centers to hydrate and stay out of the sizzling sun.

One cow in Gilroy on Sunday decided to beat the heat by wading its way through a chest-deep watering hole.

Weather officials are reminding people to properly prepare for the hot weather to both prevent wildfires and heat-related illnesses. Folks should limit outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, drink plenty of water and hang out in air conditioned areas. Pet owners should also keep a watchful eye on their companions, making sure their animal friends have adequate water and access to cool locations.

Aside from impacting people's health, the scorching temperatures also forced BART to slow down its trains, triggering major systemwide delays.

Due the hot temperatures and low humidity, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect for coastal mountains and East Bay foothills until 9 p.m. Saturday. People are strongly encouraged to not burn outdoors due to the high risk of potentially sparking a wildfire.

Smoke pouring in from wildfires across Northern California coupled with forecasted high temperatures has prompted officials to declare Spare the Air Alerts for Saturday and Sunday. The moves mark the 12th and 13th Spare the Air Alert days of 2017.

Bay Area residents are asked to limit pollution-causing activities, such as driving and mowing the lawn. Those who are sensitive to unhealthy air are also encouraged to stay indoors.

Hazy skies filled with smoke will likely linger throughout the Labor Day weekend, according to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

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