'This is our summer': Bay Area heat draws crowds to beaches, events and fan stores
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The Bay Area heat has sent residents searching for ways to stay cool, whether that means heading to the beach, finding shade at outdoor events, or picking up a fan.
With temperatures soaring well above average and a Heat Advisory in effect for much of the region through Thursday, San Franciscans took advantage of what many call the city's true summer season: October.
MORE: AccuWeather Forecast: Heat Advisory continues through Thursday as hot temps persist
Crowds packed Crissy Field on Saturday, where beachgoers lounged in the sunshine and dogs splashed in the water.
"This is our summer," said San Francisco resident Shelby Green. "We want to embrace it and get our weekend vibes on. This is what we work during the week for." Not everyone was enjoying the heat. "It was very warm," said Riley Polkowski.
"It's been difficult at our house. We don't have AC because it's San Francisco."
Across the city, people adjusted their plans to cope with the unusually warm weather. At Marina Green, soccer players and spectators stayed active while looking for ways to beat the heat. Health and safety officials urged residents to take precautions, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
"That's one of the big things," said Capt. Sam Menchaca of the San Francisco Fire Department. "Make sure you're drinking water, staying out of the sun during peak hours when the sun is way up and UV rays are up too."
The heat was also on full display at the 51st Annual Castro Street Fair, where parasols, handheld fans and cold drinks became must-have accessories.
"It's a little warm," joked drag performer Crop Top the Queen. "The one day I decide to do drag, it's the hottest day. It's OK. I've been manifesting heat, so here we are."
Meanwhile, the soaring temperatures translated into strong sales at local businesses.
At Cliff's Variety in the Castro, co-owner Terry Asten Bennett said cooling products were flying off the shelves.
"We've sold lots of box fans today. We've got handheld misters," Bennett said. "We have the lights low to give the illusion of cool."
When asked whether the strategy was working, Bennett laughed. "We're delusional." Forecasters say the warm weather is expected to continue through the weekend.
Officials are urging people to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day and check on elderly neighbors and other vulnerable residents.
