Bay Area Braces for Scorching Heat Wave

Temperatures could reach up to 30 degrees above normal, feeling more like early August than March.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:36pm by Ben Kaplan

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A 'remarkable' heat wave is forecast to hit the Bay Area, with temperatures expected to climb 20 to 30 degrees above normal. The National Weather Service says the high-pressure ridge causing the heat wave is 'staying slam dunk over us' and will likely persist through the end of the month, with the hottest weather expected next week. Southern California is already breaking heat records, and the weather service is warning of a prolonged heat wave with dangerously high temperatures in much of the area.

Why it matters

This early-season heat wave could have significant impacts on the region, including increased risk of wildfires, strain on the power grid, and health concerns for vulnerable populations. It also highlights the growing threat of climate change and the need for communities to be prepared for more extreme weather events.

The details

The high-pressure ridge causing the heat wave is centered over Southern California and Arizona, and is 'acting as a heat dome' that is allowing temperatures to keep rising. Monday and Tuesday are predicted to be the hottest days, with San Francisco and Oakland reaching close to 90 degrees and San Jose forecast to reach a high of 94.

  • The heat wave is expected to begin this weekend and persist through the end of the month.
  • Monday and Tuesday are predicted to be the hottest days.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing warnings.

Rachel Kennedy

A meteorologist with the National Weather Service who explained the factors behind the heat wave.

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What they’re saying

“The strength of this heat wave is remarkable.”

— National Weather Service (sfgate.com)

“We have a really impressive upper-level ridge building in over us, and that ridge is kind of acting as a heat dome, with the center over Southern California and the Arizona area.”

— Rachel Kennedy, Meteorologist, National Weather Service (sfgate.com)

What’s next

The National Weather Service is warning that the prolonged heat wave could lead to dangerous conditions, and is urging residents to take precautions such as staying hydrated, limiting time outdoors, and checking on vulnerable individuals.

The takeaway

This early-season heat wave is a stark reminder of the growing threat of climate change and the need for communities to be prepared for more extreme weather events. It highlights the importance of investing in resilient infrastructure, promoting energy efficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.