San Francisco, California – Temperatures in the mid-20s are gripping interior portions of Monterey, San Benito and Santa Clara counties early Saturday, creating a narrow window of dangerous cold before sunrise.
According to the National Weather Service in San Francisco, an Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect until 9 a.m. PST for the Santa Lucia Mountains, Los Padres National Forest, eastern Santa Clara Hills, southern Salinas Valley and interior Monterey County, including areas near Pinnacles National Park. Overnight lows have fallen into the mid-20s to low-30s, cold enough to damage crops and place vulnerable residents at risk.
Communities near Arroyo Seco, Lake San Antonio and the Cholame Hills are experiencing widespread frost and freeze conditions. Agricultural areas face potential losses if sensitive plants remain uncovered. Livestock owners should ensure access to unfrozen water and adequate shelter.
Cold exposure can lead to hypothermia in minutes for people without proper layers. Officials urge residents to check on elderly neighbors and unhoused individuals and to seek warming centers where available. Portable heaters should be used safely, and generators must remain outdoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Temperatures are expected to climb above freezing by midmorning, but additional cold advisories could follow if clear skies persist into Sunday morning.
