Special Weather Statement
... Hot weather to bring potential hazards through the weekend...
Strong high pressure will remain over California through the
middle of next week. This has pushed temperatures to well above
seasonal average. High temperatures in the San Joaquin
Valley... lower foothills of the southern Sierra Nevada... and the
deserts of Kern County will be in the 100 to 105 degree range
through early next week. Heat indicies will be similar to the air
temperature or only a couple of degrees lower. This may aggravate
some health conditions... especially for children... the elderly or
other sensitive groups.
Here are some tips to help you Cope with the heat.
Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. When possible... stay in the
shade or an air conditioned room. Wear loose fitting... light
colored clothes. Drink plenty of non alcoholic fluids.
Never leave children or pets in a vehicle... even for short periods
of time. Temperatures inside vehicles can climb rapidly to life
threatening levels... even with windows partially open.
Periodically check on children and the elderly. Also... remember
that animals will be affected by the heat. Make sure that pets
and farm animals have plenty of water and access to shade.
If you are planning to travel into the southern Sierra Nevada for
relief from the heat... remember that the increased flow in mountain
rivers... streams and creeks has its own hazards. Even though a
stream or river looks cool and inviting... the water is actually
very cold and may be dangerously fast. Outdoor enthusiasts are
advised to use extreme caution near streams and rivers. If you are
planning on camping... remember that the highest water levels occur
at night... usually within an hour or two either side of midnight. A
campground may look dry and safe in the late afternoon... but can
take on water at night.
If you are rafting or boating on rivers or streams... always wear
life jackets or vests... and keep other flotation gear handy. Be
alert for the dangers of hypothermia if you or others fall into the
water... get to safety as quickly as possible.
Near record heat Saturday and Sunday...
