'Concerning': Bay Area sizzles in March heat wave, bringing fire danger and AC issues

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (KGO) -- The Bay Area is bracing for the unprecedented March heat wave, record high temps are expected to last through the week, in Santa Rosa the hot weather is already creating issues and concerns.

Santa Rosa homeowner Bob Shriver never thought he'd need air conditioning in March, but he does.

"So, we have an AC system not working?", said AC tech Zach Taliaferro.

MORE: Here are some ways to prepare as record-breaking March heat hits the Bay Area

A record-breaking March heat wave is here, heating up bob's place, where Irish Soda Bread is baking for St. Patrick's Day, the house is baking too.

"It's nice to get the warm weather but now that it's supposed to hit 90's, my system decided it's not going to blow cold for you," said Shriver.

Service technician Zach Taliaferro said he has been busy responding to similar calls.

MORE: TIMELINE: Unprecedented heat wave coming to Bay Area with record-setting March temperatures

"We're having a lot of calls saying hey my system's not working, that's what we're doing here today" said Taliaferro. Normally these calls don't normal come in until May or June. Taliaferro described these months as, "this is our lull".

At the Finley Aquatic Center, swimmers looked for relief from the heat. Public recreational swim days do not begin until June, but lap swimmers were already taking advantage of the cool water.

"I think it's like an early Spring, I like the heat, I'm ready for it," said swimmer Sheri Muir.

MORE: Find Bay Area cooling centers near you amid unprecedented March heat wave

Santa Rosa Fire Marshal Paul Lowenthal said the department is monitoring conditions closely.

"This is concerning with no rain in the forecast," said Santa Rosa Fire Marshal Paul Lowenthal.

The department has posted warnings on social media about the heat advisory, urging residents to stay safe and hydrated. Lowenthal said the warm, dry weather could accelerate wildfire risks across the North Bay.

"Obviously our hills and valleys are lush with green grasses, no fire concern right now but a week of warm weather with some wind this weekend, definitely starts that drying out period. If they don't have the moisture from spring showers there's nothing to keep them thriving, clearly not the time of year we want to see that happening," Lowenthal added.