SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS (KPIX 5) – Residents and fire crews in the Santa Cruz Mountains are bracing for hot temperatures and high fire danger as a heat wave is expected to burn through much of the north of the California this weekend.
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning covering the mountains as well as most inland areas, which is expected to start at noon Friday and expire at 11 p.m. Sunday.
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The Santa Cruz Mountains have been added to the excessive heat warning as temperatures will be in the upper 90s / lower 100s. Time to spend the night warm in the 70s and 80s.
In addition, a heat advisory has been issued for the Santa Clara Valley. Expected time in the 90s / less than 100#CAwx #CAheat pic.twitter.com/Ns0zSbJqBe
– NWS Bay Area (@NWSBayArea) July 8, 2021
Those at higher elevations will see little relief from the heat overnight, with highs in the 90s and 100s and lows overnight in the 70s and 80s.
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The weather service drew special attention to young children, the elderly and people without air conditioning, as many houses in the mountains usually do not have air conditioning.
With memories of last year’s massive forest fire still fresh, Cal Fire has “everyone on deck†within the CZU unit and has outfitted all engines with all engines.
In total, Cal Fire has 13 pieces of gear ready, as well as a helicopter. The agency reminds homeowners to keep a defensible space and to be prepared with a fire safety plan.
“If the stars align, bad things will happen. This is where the rubber meets the road. I’m not here to water everything down, â€said division chief Aldo Gonzalez. “Be ready for yourself, your family, your community and help us help you. “
At the Mason Taylor Ranch on Summit Road, owner Roger Mason will be mowing the grass for the third time this season. Staff will also prepare apple cider and fresh eggs for sale, should tourists stop on their way back from the beach.
Mason’s family has been working the land in the mountains for generations and have noticed that the temperature has risen steadily over the years.
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“Well if it’s not climate change, I don’t know what you call it. I mean, the climate is changing. I’ve never seen anything like it, â€Mason said.
