Heat wave about to hit SLO County. Here’s how hot it could get
A heat wave will sweep across San Luis Obispo County this week, bringing a high risk of heat illness — especially near the end of the week.
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory from 10 a.m. Thursday to 8 p.m. Friday for San Luis Obispo County beaches, the Santa Lucia Mountains, and the cities of San Luis Obispo, Nipomo, Arroyo Grande, Cambria, Avila Beach, Lopez Lake, Hearst Castle, Pismo Beach and Morro Bay.
The weather service advised people to avoid outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on both days.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the weather service said. “Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”
Temperatures could reach between 85 and 95 degrees, which is about 20 to 30 degrees higher than normal for this time of year.
The weather service said this heat wave could break heat records for March.
On Wednesday, San Luis Obispo can expect a sunny day with a high of about 79 degrees. Meanwhile, Paso Robles could experience a high of 78 and Morro Bay a high near 75, the weather service said.
On Thursday, the mercury could reach 85 degrees in San Luis Obispo, 83 degrees in Paso Robles and 81 degrees in Morro Bay.
Friday will be partly cloudy with a high near 88 degrees in San Luis Obispo, 85 degrees in Paso Robles and 82 degrees in Morro Bay.
The heat wave will continue into the weekend, the weather service said.
On Saturday, San Luis Obispo can expect a high of 85 degrees, Paso Robles will see a high of 84 and Morro Bay a high of 79.
Finally, on Sunday, San Luis Obispo is forecast to see a high of 88 degrees, Paso Robles can expect a high of 87 and Morro Bay a high of 82.
This story was originally published March 11, 2026 at 9:39 AM.
