Bay Area Braces for Record-Breaking Heat Wave

Temperatures expected to soar up to 25 degrees above average, posing risks for vulnerable populations.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 6:40pm by Ben Kaplan

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The first major heat wave of the year is descending on the Bay Area, with forecasts calling for temperatures to soar into the 80s along the coast and up to the mid-90s in interior regions. The unusually strong high-pressure ridge is expected to break numerous temperature records across the region, with several cities potentially tying or surpassing all-time March highs. Meteorologists are warning of a moderate risk of heat-related illness, especially for sensitive groups like the elderly, infants, and outdoor workers.

Why it matters

Early-season heat waves can pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable populations. This event highlights the growing challenge of extreme weather driven by climate change and the need for communities to have robust plans in place to protect residents during prolonged periods of high temperatures.

The details

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the Bay Area, in effect from Monday morning through Friday evening. Temperatures are expected to climb 15 to 25 degrees above average, with the potential to break or tie all-time March records in several cities, including Half Moon Bay, Kentfield, Livermore, Napa, Oakland, Redwood City, Richmond, Salinas, San Francisco, San Jose, San Rafael, and Santa Rosa. Overnight lows may provide little relief, especially in higher elevations.

  • The heat advisory will be in effect from 10 a.m. on Monday, March 15 through 8 p.m. on Friday, March 19.
  • Temperatures are expected to peak on Wednesday, March 17, with some locations potentially reaching 100 degrees.

The players

Roger Gass

A meteorologist for the National Weather Service's Bay Area office.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Those individuals need to take extra precaution. Drink plenty of water, never leave children or pets in unattended vehicles, and take frequent breaks in air conditioning or shade.”

— Roger Gass, Meteorologist (SFGATE)

What’s next

Meteorologists are still sorting through the specifics of how the heat wave will evolve, but they expect temperatures to drop again by next weekend as a trough of low atmospheric pressure moves in and breaks down the heat dome.

The takeaway

This early-season heat wave is a stark reminder of the growing challenges posed by climate change, and the importance of communities having robust plans in place to protect vulnerable residents during prolonged periods of extreme heat.