Bay Area braces for heat dome with chance of thunderstorms, heightened wildfire risks

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A heat dome building over the western United States is expected to bring warmer temperatures to the Bay Area through early next week, along with a chance of thunderstorms and dry lightning in some areas.

While most of the Bay Area is not expected to see record-breaking daytime temperatures, climate scientist Daniel Swain of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources said the event could still be significant.

"Most of California probably won't see record daytime heat, but there's a bit of a caveat there, which is that the duration and overnight warmth during this event is going to be very notable in some places," Swain said.

The ABC7 weather team is forecasting warmer days ahead for much of the Bay Area, especially the inland East Bay.

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Forecasters are also monitoring conditions that could increase fire risk by late Sunday into Monday.

"There is a chance of some thunderstorms over the next few days, including some dry lightning in places that don't often see it," Swain said.

Contra Costa County fire officials said there is currently no Red Flag Warning in effect, but crews are watching forecasts closely because dry lightning can create wildfire concerns. Officials said staffing remains at normal levels.

As temperatures rise, summer camps are also taking precautions to help children stay cool.

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At Roughing It Day Camp in Lafayette, camp director Amy Woods says outdoor activities remain a central part of the summer experience.

"We're an all-outdoors program, so we do lots of lake activities: boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking," Woods said.

Camp staff emphasized hydration during warmer weather.

The camp also follows a weather response plan designed for hot conditions.

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"We have a whole -- what we call 'beat the heat' -- plan. We monitor the weather. We do lots of shade activities, water games, spray bottles. We take water breaks," Woods said.

Although the Bay Area is expected to remain on the edge of the heat dome rather than at its center, officials and residents are preparing for warmer and drier conditions.

Fire crews are also encouraging residents to think about defensible space around their homes. Officials recommend clearing dry brush and dead vegetation and doing yard work earlier in the day, before temperatures rise and equipment such as mowers and power tools are more likely to create sparks.