Heat Advisory in effect for entire Bay Area as temps run 10 to 20 degrees above normal
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- San Francisco residents sought relief at beaches, parks and other outdoor spaces Wednesday as temperatures climbed across the city, with some neighborhoods reaching triple digits during a late-season heatwave.
At Crissy Field, groups of friends and families spent the day along the waterfront to escape the heat.
"It's really super hot. It's like I don't even know 90 degrees or something?" said San Francisco resident Meliah World Turner.
According to the National Weather Service, much of San Francisco experienced temperatures around 90 degrees Wednesday. Corona Heights reached 100 degrees Wednesday afternoon.
For some, the hot weather prompted an impromptu trip to the beach.
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"It was my mom's plan," Melly Julian of South San Francisco said. "So far, so good."
Monica Chicas and her daughter set up under a 49ers-themed tent, the only shaded spot on the beach.
"Wish we could be in Australia but we cant. So we are going to take advantage of the beautiful weather," Chicas said.
When told, "We have better weather than Australia," Chicas replied, "Yes, but we wish we could be there for the game."
While residents enjoyed the sunshine, officials urged caution as temperatures remained elevated. First responders asked the public to check on vulnerable populations, including older adults, children and pets.
"We are going just for a shady walk today looking for water bowls along Union Street- it's a hot one today and she gets overheated really fast," San Francisco resident Grace Kruljac said while walking her dog.
The Bay Area Air District also warned residents to pay attention to air quality, particularly during extended time outdoors.
"When high temperatures occur that is when vehicle exhaust causes smug pollution and it causes irritation in the lungs, throat but especially if you already have respiratory conditions adsorbates asthma and all those things," said Tina Landis, a public information officer with the Bay Area Air District.
The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management placed the city under a Heat Advisory through 10 p.m. Thursday. Firefighters said they were prepared to respond to heat-related emergencies.
"One of the big emergencies we get I people don't drink enough water so they are dehydrated we do have cases of heat stroke and heat exhaustion is a very common one. So, if you are going to excessive outdoor try to do it before the peak temperature," said Capt. Mariano Elias, a spokesperson for the San Francisco Fire Department.
Some residents said they planned to limit their time in the sun despite enjoying the unusually warm weather.
"It's kind of nice for a little bit. I won't be out here all day," said San Francisco resident Kannah Cruickshank while working out at an outdoor gym.
Officials urged residents to drink water, wear sunscreen and check on neighbors, particularly older adults and people with disabilities, as the heat advisory remains in effect.
Intense heat sends North Bay residents searching for relief
Temperatures climbed close to triple digits in Novato on Wednesday, prompting residents, pet owners and schools to adjust their routines as they looked for ways to stay cool.
Parts of Novato reached 100 to 101 degrees, according to local reports, as people coped with the late-summer heat.
Dog walker Elizabeth Berry of Four the Paws started her day early to avoid the hottest temperatures.
"It's super gloomy and hot," Berry said. "I started at 9-ish today. Because I knew it was going to be 95 today."
Berry and the dogs in her care completed a shorter-than-usual walk.
"They just wanted to sit in the shade, so I let them," she said.
Around the city, residents sought relief from the heat. At Hamilton Community Pool, however, those looking to cool off found the facility closed after the end of summer operating hours following Labor Day.
Others continued outdoor activities despite the high temperatures.
On the pickleball courts near the Margaret Todd Senior Center, players took precautions while spending hours in the sun.
"It was hot from the get-go. It was hot right from the start," said Inverness resident Stewart Rudloff.
Rudloff began playing at 8 a.m. and spent four hours on the courts.
"I wear these SPF sleeves, so I don't have to put on sunscreen," she said.
By the end of her session, she said her water supplies were depleted.
"They're done! They're completely done," Rudloff said.
The heat also affected school routines.
At Lu Sutton Elementary School, students remained indoors during recess rather than spending time on the playground.
"Gratefully all our schools are air conditioned now," said Principal Karen Freemantle.
"We let the kids eat in the shade so they can be together with friends from other classrooms. But they play indoors... so they can be back in air conditioning," Freemantle said. "So that's recess. Indoor recess."
Freemantle said students would have preferred being outside.
"They like gaga ball. They like soccer. My job is to keep you safe and today's 'safe' is indoors," she said.
As temperatures soared across Novato, residents adapted by seeking shade, staying hydrated and limiting time outdoors. Forecasters expected cooler conditions on Thursday.
Bay City News contributed to this report.
