Triple digit temperatures across the Bay Area sent people searching for an air conditioner and shade.
The National Weather Service warned the dangerous conditions could cause heat-related illnesses, while California’s power grid operator issued a statewide Flex Alert from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday to avoid disruptions and rolling blackouts.
The California Independent System Operator warned of potential power shortage, not only because of mounting heat, but because a wildfire in southern Oregon was threatening transmission lines that carry imported power to California.
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Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an emergency proclamation on Friday suspending rules to allow for more power capacity, and the ISO requested emergency assistance from other states. On Saturday, Newsom issued another proclamation allowing the emergency use of auxiliary ship engines to relieve pressure on the electric grid.
After 9 p.m. Saturday, the California ISO tweeted that the state managed to avoid rolling blackouts after they issued a Flex Alert.
Meanwhile, the extreme heat ended up searing profits for many Bay Area businesses, especially in Brentwood where it was a whopping 108 degrees.
At La Costa Taqueria in Brentwood, with a temperature outside of 108 degrees, grilling is grueling.
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Normally on a Saturday, there would be a line into the parking lot. Even though the restaurant fired up its mist machines, only few customers came in.
“With the heat everybody’s home right now,” said Jose Alberto manager of La Costa restaurant.
Saturdays are also usually one of the busiest days of the week at Harry’s Wine Depot and Tavern, this Saturday, the patio was empty and the tavern’s live entertainment cancelled because of the heat.
As the mercury rises, profits are dropping.
“It’s terrible it’s really bad usually on a Saturday we make several thousands of dollars and today we just had a couple hundred,” said Tammy Zickuhr, owner of Harry’s Wine Depot and Tavern.
Because of the heat, the tavern only had six customers all day. Instead of closing at 11 p.m. Saturday, they shut their doors for the day by 8 p.m.
Bilal Johnson and his son Leo were among the few people who ventured outside in downtown Brentwood Saturday, sweating through a bike ride.
“I would describe the heat as suffocating,” Bilal Johnson said.
But some managed to find relief from the scorching sun. Two people in Brentwood waged an epic water battle against each other a war where getting drenched is a victory.
According to Meteorologist Rob Mayeda, heat advisories and excessive heat warnings will continue through Sunday night.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
