Extreme cold watch for Northern California for Friday

Northern California was placed under an extreme cold watch by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 12:56 a.m. The watch is valid for Friday, Jan. 9 between 1 a.m. and 9 a.m.

The NWS San Francisco CA said, “Very cold conditions with temperatures in the low to mid 30s possible except for Interior Monterey and San Benito counties where temperatures in the upper 20s are possible.”

“Cold conditions will be hazardous to sensitive populations such as unhoused individuals. Cold conditions may damage or kill sensitive crops, plants, and vegetation if appropriate precautions are not taken. Prolonged exposure to the cold conditions will lead to hypothermia for people, pets, and livestock,” according to the NWS. “Ensure portable heaters are working properly and are used correctly to avoid sparking a fire indoors. Do not use generators or grills inside as carbon monoxide poisoning can result. Check with your local, city, or county officials for information on available warming centers. Be sure to dress in layers if outdoors. Make sure that pets and livestock have adequate food, unfrozen water, and warmth. Cover or tend to sensitive crops, plants, and vegetation.”

The full list of affected locations includes:

• Marin Coastal Range
• North Bay Interior Valleys
• San Francisco Bay Shoreline
• East Bay Interior Valleys
• Santa Cruz Mountains
• Santa Clara Valley Including San Jose
• Eastern Santa Clara Hills
• East Bay Hills
• Northern Monterey Bay
• Southern Salinas Valley/Arroyo Seco and Lake San Antonio
• Santa Lucia Mountains and Los Padres National Forest
• Mountains Of San Benito County And Interior Monterey County Including Pinnacles National Park
• Northern Salinas Valley/Hollister Valley and Carmel Valley
• Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast

Understanding cold weather alerts

Extreme cold watch: Be Prepared. An extreme cold watch is issued when dangerously cold air temperatures or wind chill values are possible. As with a warning, adjust your plans to avoid being outside during the coldest parts of the day. Make sure your car has at least half a tank of gas, and update your winter survival kit.

Extreme cold warning: Take Action! An extreme cold warning is issued when dangerously cold air temperatures or wind chill values are expected or occurring. If you are in an area with an extreme cold warning, avoid going outside. If you have to go outside, dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and make sure at least one other person knows your whereabouts. Update them when you arrive safely at your destination.

Cold weather advisory: Be Aware. A cold weather advisory is issued when seasonably cold air temperatures or wind chill values, but not extremely cold values, are expected or occurring. Be sure you and your loved ones dress appropriately and cover exposed skin when venturing outdoors.

For more weather alerts in the Bay Area, visit Weather Advisories