Marin sizzles in late-season heat wave

An extreme late-summer heat wave has local officials keeping an eye on health and fire risk.

A heat advisory is in effect until Thursday evening, with temperatures in the interior valleys expected to reach the mid to upper 90s – some 10 to 20 degrees above normal, said Rick Canepa, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. On the coast, temperatures are expected in the upper 70s to low 80s, he said.

The heat is expected to ease on Friday, dropping temperatures to the low 90s. Further cooling to the upper 80s should occur by Saturday, he said.

On Tuesday, temperatures across the county ranged from 95 to 99 degrees. The highest temperature was recorded at the Civic Center in San Rafael at 104 degrees, tying a record set in 1950. Canepa said the temperature was considered a preliminary reading.

Other high temperatures recorded Tuesday included Kentfield at 96 degrees, Novato at 97 degrees, Mount Tamalpais at 90 degrees, Mill Valley at 94 degrees and Point Reyes at 69 degrees.

A building high pressure system throughout the week is introducing the hot weather. A disturbance later in the week is expected to stay north of the Bay Area, meaning there is little to no risk of thunderstorms, officials said.

Wildfire season is in its prime, said Marimar Ochoa, a spokesperson for the Marin County Fire Department.

“It is absolutely still in place,” she said. “We are really seeing the wildfire season extend extensively in the last 10 years. When we have extensive heat waves like the one this week. The low humidity and hot weather really does bring that reminder that fire is still a very real threat in Marin County and the state of California.”

The fire season typically concludes in November with the arrival of winter rains, she said.

Marin County Public Health Officer Dr. Lisa Santora said the county is advising residents to take precautions in extreme heat by staying indoors if possible and preparing for power outages.

“Temperatures are expected to rise significantly, posing health risks, especially to vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and those with preexisting health conditions,” Santora said. “Extreme heat can be dangerous and even life-threatening, particularly for those who are most vulnerable.

“We urge everyone in the community to take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones during this period of extreme temperatures,” she said.

Current reservoir storage at Alpine, Bon Tempe, Kent, Lagunitas, Nicasio, Phoenix and Soulajule reservoirs remains robust at 67,858 acre feet, according to Marin Municipal Water District.

The total is 119% of the average storage, 57,026 acre feet, for this date. Reservoir storage for this date last year was 70,609 acre feet, or 89.74% of capacity.