Hot Weekend Ahead.

Summertime flowers in Big Basin.

The rain is over.  For now. And it is starting to warm up out there.  It is already toasty at 9Am on Friday morning.  The sun is out, and it is going to be a spectacular day.  Mid 80s are expected here in Santa Cruz over the next few days. The marine layer has even weakened a bit and may not touch the coast until Tuesday.  In those areas most affected by fog, we may see a few lingering patches in the very early morning hours.  But the sun will dominate this weekend.

Up in the Sierra, things are getting toasty as well, with mid 80s expected around Lake Tahoe.  Things will be pretty dramatic with bathing suit weather on the lake surrounded by still snow capped mountains.  It should be a great weekend for skiing as well, with 4 resorts on the north side and Kirkwood (in the south) turning their bull wheels on last time this season.  After a huge winter of snow, they do not want it to go to waste.  As things heat up this weekend, we will see snow melt on the increase.  Area creeks, stream and rivers will be raging with very cold water.  Use caution when entering or playing nearby.  If camping, place tents well above water level, as late afternoon heat increases melt, and can result in dramatically raised rivers over night.

Fog hangs heavy in Davenport.

It will be reaching in to the 90s in typically warmer summer locations around the Bay.  Hot weather is expected in the Central Valley, with several days above 100F.  Enjoy the great outdoors, but remember a few things this weekend.  Drink plenty of water, especially if you are enjoying adult beverages.  Do not leave children and pets inside the car for any length of time - things will heat up quickly.  Do not drink and drive, and watch out for those who do.  Have a great holiday weekend, and play responsibly.

After the holiday, the fog bank should move back in closer to the coast.  There is a chance that it will again be pushed out to see by the end of next week.  We should expect milder temperatures, but still see mid to high 70s in Santa Cruz.  After a few days that felt like winter, it certainly is summer now.