San Francisco Residents Flock to North Beach to Escape Heat Wave

Locals seek refuge from record-breaking temperatures in the city's iconic neighborhood

Mar. 15, 2026 at 11:24pm by Ben Kaplan

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As a heat wave swept through the San Francisco Bay Area, residents flocked to North Beach's Washington Square to soak up the sun and escape the rising temperatures. Locals like Kelly and Jeremy Joslin, Anjali Shute, and Madi Hirsch arrived early to claim prime spots in the park, bringing beach chairs, coolers, and picnic supplies to enjoy the unseasonably warm weather.

Why it matters

The absence of the usual morning fog and onshore breeze left San Francisco residents without their typical cooling effects, forcing them to seek out shaded areas and plan ahead to beat the heat. This heat wave highlights the city's vulnerability to extreme weather events and the importance of public spaces like Washington Square for providing relief during such conditions.

The details

Temperatures were already pushing 70 degrees by late morning, with the preferred shaded spots in the park filling up quickly. Locals like Anjali Shute and Meghan Olson had to change into lighter clothing to stay comfortable, while others like Shannon and Brian Lockrem strategically positioned their beach chairs to maximize sun and shade. An anti-war protest was also scheduled to converge on the park in the afternoon, adding to the crowds seeking refuge from the heat.

  • The heat wave began on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
  • Temperatures were expected to reach the 80s or higher by Tuesday.

The players

Kelly and Jeremy Joslin

A couple who have been gathering with a group of 20 friends in Washington Square since the COVID-19 lockdown.

Anjali Shute and Meghan Olson

Two recent Cal Poly graduates who moved to North Beach and were unprepared for the heat after experiencing an unusually foggy summer the previous year.

Shannon and Brian Lockrem

A couple from Benicia who brought their own beach chairs and planned to people-watch and take a nap in the park.

Sama Agh

A 37-year-old Russian Hill resident who planned to protest the war in Iran during the heat wave.

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What they’re saying

“They are already here. They're in full sun. I'm going to die.”

— Kelly Joslin (San Francisco Chronicle)

“There are going to be a lot of people out here in bikinis.”

— Madi Hirsch (San Francisco Chronicle)

“I can still remember how cold it was. I just wanted to wear shorts and not be freezing.”

— Anjali Shute (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

A heat advisory from the National Weather Service is expected to take effect on Monday morning, prompting residents to seek out air-conditioned spaces like Kelly Joslin's classroom at her East Bay school.

The takeaway

This heat wave underscores the need for San Francisco to better prepare for the impacts of climate change, including the loss of its iconic fog and onshore breezes. Public spaces like Washington Square will become increasingly important as residents seek refuge from rising temperatures, highlighting the value of urban green spaces and the importance of ensuring equitable access to cooling resources.