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.

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

Cooling centers will be open at the Camden Community Center (3369 Union Ave.). Emma Prusch Farm Park (647 S. King Road) and Roosevelt Community Center (901 E. Santa Clara St.).

Forecasters say post frontal rain showers with a slight chance for thunderstorms will continue today. Rain showers are expected to linger into Tuesday before gradually decreasing from north to south.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning today for Northern California coastal areas, including the Bay Area.  A flood watch is in effect for the Bay Area and Central Coast through Friday morning. The weather service forecast for San Jose features rain for at least the next two weeks.

Unsettled weather is expected to continue as a series of storms aim at the California Coast. The next more significant storm may impact the region in the middle of next week.

In coastal areas, wind gusts will be as high as 40 mph and on Friday could be as high as 35 mph. 

The more moderate weather this year broke a streak of three straight scorching summers, each ranking among the state’s 10 hottest ever recorded.

The atmospheric river will be most severe on Friday, with a flood watch already in effect today through Sunday, a wind advisory today and tomorrow for the entire Bay Area and Gov. Gavin Newsom declaring a state of emergency for Santa Clara and 20 other counties.

Highway 17 was closed in both directions early this mornng because of snow and fallen trees.

The National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch for the Bay Area for this Wednesday and Thursday. Last weekend’s atmospheric river brought 1.74 inches of rain to San José. “A potent Pineapple Express will move into the region Wednesday and continue into Thursday,” the Weather Service reported.

Dry lightning, wildfires and drought are bursting the weird meteorological bubble that’s insulated Silicon Valley.

Near record-high temperatures and poor air quality threaten health and the power grid for Santa Clara County

For those living on hillsides with low grasslands, the fire risks are not as serious as for those living in densely populated communities near forests, or hillsides of brush and timber.

Beginning at noon, high temperatures pose health risks for children, the elderly and pets.

The rain follows dry winds and high temperatures at the start of the week that helped spark fires around the region.