This week’s unusual and brutal heat wave in California had been expected to cool off starting today, but the forecast was extended early today until 11pm tomorrow.

Gov. Gavin Newsom last week signed a budget that slashed $107.8 million in funding for programs and projects that address extreme heat, and shifted $55.7 million across different programs.

A Red Flag Warning about potential wildfires also is in effect through at least Wednesday, because of soaring temperatures, gusty winds and low humidity.

This week's warming trend begins today, with inland temperatures hitting the mid-80s to low 90s from the North Bay to southern Monterey County. The National Weather Service issued an Excessive Heat Watch for the interior Bay Area and Central Coast heading into a scorching weekend.

The new restrictions were approved, despite the fact that the county exceeded Gov. Gavin Newsom’s call for a reduction of 15% compared to 2020, using 19% less water in July when compared to July 2020, well above the statewide average of a 10% savings.

The California Independent System Operator issued a statewide Flex Alert for today from 4 to 9pm, calling for voluntary electricity conservation.

The alert for Labor Day is the sixth consecutive day that the California Independent System Operator has called for voluntary electricity conservation during peak usage hours, from 4 to 10pm.