2 heat advisories issued for SLO County. Here’s how hot it could get
Dangerously high heat is set to scorch San Luis Obispo County this week, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.
The five-day heat wave will result in extended risks for heat-related illness, especially with warm overnight conditions, the weather service said.
“Models continue to advertise record-level heat this week, and in some cases not only breaking daily temperature records, but even breaking record monthly highs with temperatures in the upper 80s and 90s,” the National Weather Service’s forecast discussion said.
Blistering temperatures are expected throughout the work week due to a “super strong” ridge of high pressure paired with light offshore breezes that will heat up the coast, Carol Ciliberti, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service, told The Tribune.
For this time of year, she said it was “pretty much unprecedented” and could “obliterate” previous temperature records.
Heat advisories issued for SLO County
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for San Luis Obispo County’s beaches and coastal valleys from 10 a.m. Monday through 8 p.m. Friday.
The advisory included Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, Nipomo, Lopez Lake and Arroyo Grande.
SLO and Morro Bay’s cooling center at 40 Prado Road will be open Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
“Residents are encouraged to utilize these facilities during peak heat periods,” the city of SLO said in a news release.
In the North County, a separate heat advisory was set for 10 a.m. Tuesday to 8 p.m. Friday, for Atascadero, Templeton, Carrizo Plain, Paso Robles, Creston, Shandon, New Cuyama, San Miguel, and Lake Nacimiento.
The weather service warned that temperatures will reach unsafe levels for sensitive populations including “the very young, the very old, those without air conditioning and those active outdoors.”
The weather service advised impacted residents to stay hydrated, stay in air-conditioned rooms, avoid the sun and check in on at-risk individuals. It also urged individuals going outdoors to reduce strenuous activity and wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing.
What hot will it get in San Luis Obispo?
High temperatures in San Luis Obispo are expected to reach into the mid-90s this week, according to the National Weather Service’s latest seven-day forecast.
The city of SLO said this week’s heat could be the hottest recorded March temperatures since 1988.
On Monday, the San Luis Obispo area expected a high temperature near 91 degrees. The overnight low was forecast to dip to 63 degrees.
Intense heat was slated to continue Tuesday with clear conditions and a high temperature around 93 degrees. Overnight, the temperature was expected to drop to only 65 degrees. Sunny skies will be back on Wednesday, when the high will be near 93 in San Luis Obispo. That night, it will be mostly clear with a low temperature around 64, according to the weather service.
Thursday will be clear with a high near 95 and an overnight low of 65.
On Friday, conditions will be clear again with a high around 92 degrees. The overnight low temperature will dip to 62, the forecast said.
Hot temperatures will finally start to fade Saturday and Sunday with highs near 86 and 82 degrees, respectively.
How hot will Paso Robles be during heat wave?
Paso Robles will be under an extreme heat warning from 10 a.m. Tuesday to 8 p.m. Friday due to “dangerously hot conditions,” the National Weather Service forecast said.
On Monday, Paso’s high was expected to hit 86 degrees. The overnight low was forecast to drop to around 63.
Mostly clear conditions were expected to continue Tuesday with a high near 92 and an overnight low temperature around 64.
Wednesday will be sunny again with a high temperature of 93 degrees. Overnight, conditions will remain clear with a low near 64, according to the forecast.
Paso Robles will see its highest heat on Thursday when the temperature is expected to peak at 94 degrees. The overnight low will be 65.
Friday will be sunny with a high around 93 degrees and an overnight low near 62, the weather service said.
Saturday and Sunday will see highs at 89 and 80 degrees, respectively.
How to stay safe amid SLO County heat wave
The city of SLO encouraged residents to follow these tips during the heat wave:
- Stay hydrated and keep drinking water even if you don’t feel thirsty
- Avoid strenuous activity outdoors during the hottest hours of the day
- Wear light-colored, lightweight and loose clothing
- Check on vulnerable neighbors during the heat wave
- Turn on air conditioning or visit cooling centers
If someone is experiencing heat stroke — exhibiting symptoms of confusion, hot and dry skin and loss of consciousness — you should call 911 immediately, the release said.
This story was originally published March 16, 2026 at 5:23 PM.
