Crime & Safety

San Rafael Expected to Break Record Temp Tuesday

A red flag fire alert has been issued in Marin and throughout the North Bay for late Tuesday through late Wednesday.

Record-breaking temperatures are expected to roast Marin and the greater the Bay Area this week, a National Weather Service spokesman said.

In Marin, San Rafael is expected to break its 1957 record of 89 degrees for this date, weather service Mark Strudley said. Inland spots like San Jose, Livermore and Contra Costa County and other regions are expected to see highs in the 80s and 90s.

Temperatures are expected to get even toastier later in the week.

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The hot weather brings with it the risk of wildfires, especially in hilly areas in the East Bay, North Bay and in the Santa Cruz Mountains, he said.

"It is dry and has been breezy," he said. "Strong gusty winds, combined with hot weather, may present a concern," he said.

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San Rafael Fire Chief Chris Gray noted that a Red Flag Alert has been issued for Tuesday evening through Wednesday evening. He said residents should take appropriate precautions, including:

  • Report any sign of smoke or fire immediately to your local fire department by calling 9-1-1 (if you call 9-1-1 from your cell phone, please try to know the location of where you are calling from).
  • Use extreme caution when operating any machinery or equipment in or near hazardous grass or brush areas.
  • Any mowing or weed eating should be done before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
  • Never use lawn mowers in dry vegetation (and NEVER during extremely dry conditions).
  • Spark arresters are required in wildland areas on all portable gasoline powered equipment.
  • Residents should make sure they have 100 feet of defensible space around structures.
  • Clear dead weeds and vegetation.
  • Remove leaves and needles from gutters.
  • Trim branches 6 feet from the ground.

A wind advisory will be issued at 5 p.m. Tuesday for the North Bay and East Bay hills, with where winds are expected to reach 35 mph.

San Francisco and coastal areas, while cooler, will also feel the heat.

"It will be warmer than people are used to in San Francisco," Strudley said.

On this day in 1996, the city reached 90 degrees, Strudley said. However, it will likely only be in the mid-70s today in the city. He said higher temperatures should arrive Thursday and Friday.

Bay City News Service contributed to this report. Copyright © 2013 by Bay City News, Inc. – Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.


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