Stalled high pressure system sends temperatures soaring
OAKLAND - OAKLAND, Calif. (KTVU) – A high pressure system perched over Northern California sent temperatures soaring into the triple digits Tuesday in many Bay Area communities.
The system was not expected to move on until late Thursday, triggering a heat advisory throughout the Bay Area and concerns over the quality of the air.
Bay Area air quality officials issued a Spare the Air warning for Tuesday with the likelihood of it remaining in place for much of the week.
A Spare the Air day was called for both Tuesday and Wednesday with Bay Area commuters asked to take public transit.
"Hot weather can be fun, you just have to be careful [and] stay hydrated. Make sure you have water," said Pleasanton firefighter Aaron Lacey. "I know it's hard for people to stay away from those caffeinated drinks. Coffee and energy drinks on a day like today, those are just going to make you dehydrated."
San Francisco was at 92 degrees at 2 p.m. while Oakland was at 90, San Jose 94 and Santa Rosa 97.
While the temperatures were scorching, they were falling short of all-time records – many set in 1904.
San Rafael had a 108 degree high that day while Napa was also at 108 and San Francisco was at 101 and Santa Cruz 107.
In response to the heat, some cities are opening up cooling centers, places where residents are invited to take refuge in air-conditioned rooms.
Pleasanton, which is expected to reach 102 degrees, will offer cooling centers at the city's library at 400 Old Bernal Ave., and at the senior center at 5353 Sunol Blvd.
"Usually the first day it's a little slow, but if we have consecutive days of heat, people come in. Particularly in the late afternoon or evening," said Raymond Figueroa with the Pleasanton Senior Center, one of the cooling centers in the East Bay city.
"It's nice! It's better than being outside in the heat," said cooling center visitor Rick Jensen.
According to city officials, cool water, air conditioning, and a place to play games and watch television will be provided at the cooling centers.
Walnut Creek, which has a forecasted high of 105 degrees, will be opening Civic Park Community Center at 1375 Civic Drive as a cooling center through Friday, according to city officials.
Meanwhile, San Leandro will offer air-conditioned spaces where residents can enjoy activities such as family-friendly movies and games. Pets are not allowed, with the exception of service animals.
The City’s Flex Shuttle makes regular stops at both Cooling Center locations. Other air-conditioned places in San Leandro to seek relief during periods of high heat include:
- Bayfair Center: 15555 East 14th Street
- San Leandro Branch Libraries
- Manor Branch: 1271 Manor Blvd.
- Mulford-Marina Branch: 13699 Aurora Dr.
- South Branch: 14799 East 14th Street
- Senior Community Center: 13909 East 14th St.