KAZU News

First temperature spike comes inland to southern Salinas Valley, San Benito County this week

KAZU | By Janelle Salanga

Published June 4, 2024 at 4:37 PM PDT

A screenshot of the Central Valley and Central Coast from the National Weather Service website on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. The last update for the map, which shows excessive heat warnings, gale warnings, heat advisories, small craft advisories and beach hazards statements, was on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at 4:24:57 p.m. PDT. The coast upwards and downwards from the city of Monterey, but excluding the Santa Cruz coast line and below Big Sur, are under a beach hazards statement warning. Inland, including just outside of Salinas, South Monterey County and the curve around Hollister/around the 101 are all under heat advisory. — A screenshot of the advisories active as of June 4, 4:24 p.m., from the National Weather Service Bay Area branch.

Southern Salinas Valley residents should be prepared for a high of over 90 degrees on Wednesday, including in King City, Lockwood and Bradley among other locations. Gilroy and Hollister should expect the same,

The National Weather Service has issued a moderate heat risk advisory for these areas from 8 a.m. Wednesday to Thursday at midnight as a high-pressure weather system moves through the state from the coast.

It’s the region’s first brush with significant heat this year, with temperatures peaking Wednesday and decreasing through the rest of the week.

This morning is the calm before the warm as the first batch of Heat Advisories go in effect in the North and East Bay

but if you're thinking of beating the heat by going to the beach, be aware higher waves and sneaker wave risks arrive Wednesday.

Be safe and take care!#CAwx pic.twitter.com/UX03BArC8d
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) June 4, 2024

The weather service also highlighted hazardous beach conditions Wednesday and Thursday stretching from Big Sur to the Monterey Bay region. The Santa Cruz coastline is not included in the advisory.

“If you're thinking of beating the heat by going to the beach, be aware higher waves and sneaker wave risks arrive Wednesday,” the service posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Waves ranging from 15 to 20 feet are expected, particularly at west and northwest facing beaches.

During a heat advisory, residents who work outside are urged to take extra precautions, including drinking plenty of fluids, wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing and scheduling rest breaks in shade or air-conditioned environments.

Per Monterey County guidance, community members are also encouraged to be alert for signs of heat illness and stroke.

“If you suspect heat stroke, call 911 or get the person to a hospital immediately,” the county recommends. “Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives. Do not give the person anything to drink.”

Monterey County has opened five cooling centers in advance of the advisory:

King City Library (402 Broadway St.)

Wednesday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

San Ardo Library (62350 College St.)

Wednesday: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Thursday: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.

San Lucas Library (54692 Teresa St.)

Wednesday: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Thursday: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Soledad Community Center (560 Walker Drive)

Wednesday and Thursday: 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Greenfield Civic Center (599 El Camino Real)

Wednesday and Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

“For additional cooling center information [in Monterey County], call 800-322-6884,” county spokesperson Maia Carroll said via email.

The Gilroy Library at 350 W. Sixth Street will serve as a cooling center on Wednesday from 1 to 9 p.m.

The San Benito County Free Library is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday at 470 5th St. in Hollister.