Sweltering in place:
What would normally be perfect weather for Memorial Day weekend could be torture for those without air conditioning.
Sheltering in place could be a little uncomfortable this long holiday weekend as temperatures climb toward 80 in San Francisco and as high as the 90s inland, according to the National Weather Service.
What would normally be perfect weather for Memorial Day weekend activities — camping, big backyard barbecues, hanging out at the beach — could be torture for those without air conditioning or simply itching to get out of the house. But parks officials, tourism promoters and public health officers remind people that shelterinplace orders remain in effect and they should stay home even though it may be warm.
“Once you push past 80, it begins to feel hot, especially with lack of air conditioning and with people stuck indoors,” said Drew Peterson, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Monterey.
Temperatures around the Bay Area were expected to rise slightly on Thursday before dipping slightly on Friday as weak highpressure and lowpressure systems duel over the Pacific. A strong highpressure system starting Saturday will settle in for a few days and temperatures will climb, officials said.
Memorial Day high temperatures Monday are expected to be around 78 in San
Francisco, 84 in Oakland, 94 in Concord, 92 in San Jose and 94 in Santa Rosa. The heat is expected to continue on Tuesday, climbing slightly in most places, and possibly Wednesday.
Those temperatures are about 10 to 16 degrees above normal for this time of year, Peterson said, adding that even warmer predictions could be coming as more data become available.
Temperatures should be in the low to mid70s in San Francisco and Oakland on Saturday with highs around 80 in Concord and San Jose. Sunday temperatures are expected to rise four to seven degrees.
Once the warm spell passes, there’s a chance of rainfall in the Bay Area, Peterson said.
“We could see a few more drops of rain late next week,” he said, “but we’re pretty much at the end of our rope as far as rainfall.”
While the weather might seem perfect for outdoor activities, state and regional parks advise people to stay 6 feet apart from others, even on trails and at beaches, and to carry or wear masks.
Most hotels have been shut down or limited to people making essential trips, and even tourism promoters are telling people they’re not welcome to visit.
“It should be nice weather, but everyone who wants to get outdoors should make sure they listen to local authorities because rules vary,” Peterson said.