California’s heatwave could be more dangerous than you think. Stay safe with these recommendations from NWS

A heat advisory has been issued for California's interior Friday as the Bay Area is heading into its first heat event of the season and it’s arriving abruptly. The advisory is in effect for California’s interior Friday and Saturday, including parts of the East Bay, North Bay and South Bay, local US media reports suggest. A strong high-pressure system building over the West is expected to cause a sharp rise in temperatures, potentially pushing some Central Valley cities to near-record highs for May.

Weather advisory for California

On Thursday at 3:31 a.m. a heat advisory was released by the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA valid for Friday between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. The advisory is for Cuyama Valley, Southern Salinas Valley, San Luis Obispo County Interior Valleys and San Luis Obispo County Mountains. The NWS states to expect, "Temperatures up to 100 degrees expected, and even over 100 near Paso Robles."

"There is a high risk for heat illness for sensitive populations including the very young, the very old, those without air conditioning, and those active outdoors," explains the NWS. This advisory is in effect until Friday at 8 p.m.


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In the Bay Area, it’s not just the high temperatures that make this heat wave remarkable—it’s the speed at which they’re climbing. In cities like Livermore, temperatures are forecast to soar from the low-to-mid 80s on Thursday to over 100 degrees by Friday—a nearly 20-degree jump in just one day. This rapid rise would rank among the most sudden single-day warmups the region has experienced in the past 25 years.

The South Bay is also in for a major warm-up. San Jose is expected to jump from the low 80s on Thursday to the upper 90s by Friday—a spike of 13 to 15 degrees in just one day. That would rank among the most dramatic single-day temperature increases in the past 25 years. The North Bay will see a more moderate shift, with typically warmer areas like Santa Rosa and Napa climbing about 10 degrees, from around 90 on Thursday to near 100 on Friday.

What makes this heat wave stand out is how mild things have been up until now. Most inland Bay Area cities have coasted through May with average, comfortable highs—warm, but not hot. San Jose has yet to hit 90 degrees this year, while Livermore and Santa Rosa have only done so once. For much of the region, this week brings the first real taste of summer.

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In fact, millions of California residents were warned to avoid sun exposure as an extreme heat wave is expected for much of the state, with temperatures forecast to surpass 100 degrees in multiple regions. The heat is expected to start on Friday and last until Sunday morning.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued extreme heat watches and advisories for the Central Valley, Sacramento Valley, Sierra foothills and other inland areas. It is urging people to stay indoors, remain hydrated and check on vulnerable people. On the other side of the state line, similar alerts affect Nevada's southern valleys, including Las Vegas and Death Valley, where risks remain high through the weekend.

NWS Heat Wave Safety Tips

Stay safe during extreme heat by following these guidelines:

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.

Keep Cool Indoors: Stay in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.

Avoid Direct Sunlight: Limit exposure to the sun and check on vulnerable individuals such as elderly neighbors and relatives.

Protect Children & Pets: Never leave children or pets in parked cars—temperatures can become deadly in minutes.

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Be Cautious Outdoors: If you must be outside, take extra precautions.

Schedule Wisely: Plan strenuous activities for early morning or evening when it's cooler.

Know the Warning Signs: Learn the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Dress for the Heat: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.

Rest Often: If working outdoors, follow OSHA guidelines—take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.

Act Quickly in Emergencies: Move anyone with heat-related symptoms to a cool area and call 911 if needed.