, Issued at 1259 PM PDT Mon Mar 16 2026 (This evening through Tuesday)
As mentioned in the morning update, the forecast remains on track this afternoon. The unusual early season, long duration heat wave has set in across our entire forecast area. Many locations will set daily record high temperatures as the week progresses, along with numerous monthly records. A shallow marine layer may provide some isolated respite from the widespread heat, but no matter how you slice it, our entire area will feel the impacts of unusually high temperatures for this time of year through a majority of the extended forecast. Listed below are things we can all do to stay safe during a heat wave. We also want to continue to get the word out that despite the summer type air temperatures, the ocean is still very much in winter mode still. Cold water shock is a real risk, and with this heat wave coinciding with most schools Spring Break week, there will be many visitors to our Pacific coastline from near and afar. We are also watching the potential for increasing southern swell that may possibly necessitate a Beach Hazard Statement for riptides and sneaker waves at some point, its not quite there yet, but be careful nonetheless and never turn your back on the ocean. Below are tips to help mitigate your risks during a heat wave:
Heat is the number 1 weather related killer in the United States. Unfortunately lives will be lost during this heat wave. Follow these tips to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your animals.
-Stay inside in an air conditioned environment between 10am and 7pm. -Suspend unnecessary outdoor activities during the extreme heat, but if you must be outdoors, take frequent breaks in the shade or AC and drink cool water. -Know the signs and symptoms of Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke! Heat Stroke can be deadly if not treated immediately by a medical professional. Call 911 if you suspect someone is suffering from Heat Stroke. -Wear a , swim near a lifeguard, and check conditions before entering the water if going to a river or ocean to cool off. Rivers and the ocean are extremely cold, and Cold Water Shock can turn into paralysis and drowning if you are not careful. -Use a cool and damp towel on your body if you do not have AC and are feeling hot. Or, take a cool shower or bath. -Do not leave kids or pets in a parked car. -Ensure pets and livestock have access to shade and water.
..issued at 1259 PM PDT Mon Mar 16 2026 (Tuesday night through next Sunday)
With not much changing in the extended forecast from the previous shift, will resend the extended discussion below that does an excellent job summing up what we continue to see through the weekend into the beginning of next week:
"After several days of this heat wave building, it will reach the top of the plateau by Tuesday. Interior temperatures will reach the low to mid 90s, with 70s and 80s along the coast. Wednesday through Friday look nearly identical. Hot spots this week include the southern Salinas Valley and Gabilan Range. There is a strong possibility that Pinnacles National Park records the earliest 100 degree day of the year this week. The current record for March is only 93. Along the coast the hot spot looks to be Santa Cruz, where downslope winds will add adiabatic heating to battle any marine influence. We expect low 90s there.
Numerous monthly records are expected to be broken this week. Check out the Climate section below for those benchmarks. Overall the big story with this heat wave is how early it is. Yes we've seen much hotter days in the Summer and early Fall, but we are a full 30 degrees warmer than normal this week. That's very unusual any time of year.
Finally, when will it end? All ensemble clusters agree that the ridge will start to weaken this weekend. That doesn't mean temperatures will drop all the way back to normal, but we should see a cooling trend of about 5 degrees per day from Saturday through Monday, effectively ending the heat wave."
(06z TAFS) Issued at 910 PM PDT Mon Mar 16 2026
VFR through the TAF period. Winds are weakening and will become light across the region overnight. Some drainage winds look to affect SNS, while most locations keep light winds through the morning. Winds increase slightly for most areas into Tuesday afternoon, but become light again that night.
Vicinity of SFO, VFR through the TAF period. West winds reduce into the night becoming light. Wind directions become variable in the mid morning. West winds build again in the mid afternoon on Tuesday and last into late that night before becoming light again.
SFO Bridge Approach, Similar to SFO.
Monterey Bay Terminals, VFR through the TAF period. Expect wind to become light and variable into the night. Southeast drainage winds build for SNS into early Tuesday, while the rest of the area stays light and variable. Moderate North to northwest winds return Tuesday afternoon, but become light again that evening.
(tonight through next Sunday) Issued at 910 PM PDT Mon Mar 16 2026
lingering gusty northerly winds in the northern outer waters weaken into Tuesday morning. Winds across the waters become light for the rest of the week. Sea heights remain moderate due to a combination of wind waves and low southerly swell.
Ca, Heat Advisory until 8 PM PDT Friday for CAZ006-502>506-508>510- 512>518-528>530.
PZ, Small Craft Advisory until 3 AM PDT Tuesday for Pt Arena to Pt Reyes 10-60 NM.
