Here Comes The Heat, Martinez

Get ready, Martinez. The heat is on the way.

Around here, we're no strangers to highs in the 80s and 90s, but usually we have to wait until July or thereabouts. Not this year.

The National Weather Service is predicting the first major heat spell of the year this week, with the highest temperatures scheduled to roast us on Saturday.

Later today, a wind advisory is expected to be issued, with gusts reaching to a predicted 35 mph. That coupled with the relatively dry weather could spell a problem for fire danger.
          
But the record-breaking temperatures are expected to roast the Bay Area this week, said Mark Strudley of the National Weather Service.

Inland spots such as San Jose, Livermore, Contra Costa County and other regions are expected to see highs in the 80s and 90s.

In the North Bay, San Rafael is expected to break its 1957 record of 89 degrees for this date, Strudley said.

Temperatures are expected to get even toastier later in the week.
          
The hot weather brings with it the risk of wildfires, especially in hilly areas in the East Bay, North Bay and in the Santa Cruz Mountains, he said.

"It is dry and has been breezy," he said.

"Strong gusty winds, combined with hot weather, may present a concern," he said.

A wind advisory will be issued at 5 p.m. today for the North Bay and East Bay hills, with where winds are expected to reach 35 mph.

San Francisco and coastal areas, while cooler, will also feel the heat.

"It will be warmer than people are used to in San Francisco," Strudley said.

He said higher temperatures should arrive Thursday and Friday.

Bay City News Service contributed to this story.