After a gorgeously cool start to September, with high temperatures 10 to 20 degrees below average last week across a large portion of the California, the Golden State is making another rendezvous with summer-like weather as we move past Labor Day.
Strengthened by Tropical Storm Marie, a ridge of high pressure through the upper atmosphere is forming across the western United States, increasing heat and clearing skies for much of this side of the nation through the week ahead.
On Tuesday, temperatures across the Central Valley — from Sacramento to Fresno — will rise into the mid-90s. They will continue climbing, rising above 100 degrees by Wednesday and Thursday as Marie continues to dredge up more moisture. Lows will also climb — temperatures around 70 degrees will greet commuters Wednesday and Thursday morning across the Central Valley.
Tropical Storm Marie is ushering in moisture and extra heat
The heat is not limited to just the Valley either. The Bay Area and the rest of the Central Coast will feel the heat, especially Wednesday as Marie’s moisture makes its closest approach. The mid-80s may seem rather nice, but temperatures this warm for the San Francisco are well outside of normal. And astonishingly even 90s are not out of the question for a majority of the Bay Area if enough tropical moisture is present.
Heat advisories have been issued for large portions of the state for Wednesday and Thursday, both in the Central Valley and along the entire California coast south of Marin County. This includes San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles and San Diego.
This all comes as Tropical Storm Marie’s moisture shield envelopes California this week. From south to north, dew points and atmospheric moisture will rise in tandem, brining unusual humidity to nearly the entire California coast. Because moist air holds more heat than dry air, temperatures will struggle to cool down overnight and along the coast as they otherwise would…