The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch for much of Northern California, including San Benito County, as a prolonged period of hot temperatures is expected. The mercury could climb as high as 100 degrees by the weekend in Hollister.
“The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible,” the weather service said. “Drink plenty of fluids…stay in an air-conditioned room…stay out of the sun…and check up on relatives and neighbors. Prolonged exposure to these temperatures, especially after an extended period of unseasonably cool temperatures, will increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly for vulnerable populations.”
The NWS said pets, crops, and livestock may also require extra care through the warm and dry weather. Individuals flocking to the coast for heat relief and unfamiliar with the state of the ocean also need to show caution.
Temperatures rebounded to near seasonal averages on Tuesday with a more robust warming trend through the upcoming weekend, the NWS said. “By Thursday, look for afternoon temperatures to warm to above seasonal averages, especially for inland areas away from the immediate coastline. Widespread 90s are then likely by Friday and Saturday with a few of the warmest inland areas exceeding the 100 degree mark.”
Highs in San Benito County are expected to remain in the 70s to lower 80s through Thursday with temps near 90 on Friday and the lower 90s through Saturday. Lower 90s are predicted on Sunday with temperatures expected to inch back to the mid-80s next Monday and Tuesday.