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Excessive heat warnings are hitting parts of California. Who is affected?

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Excessive heat warnings are hitting parts of California. Who is affected?

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Californians are not being spared from the heat this week despite the approach of fall.

Parts of Southern California are under an excessive heat warning Tuesday as a heat wave pushes temperatures across the region through Friday.

But Southern California isn’t alone in facing high temperatures this week. Here’s what you need to know to prepare for and protect yourself from the heat.

How hot will it be this week?

The western San Fernando Valley, including Northridge, Woodland Hills and Van Nuys, is under an excessive heat warning through Friday night. Residents in those areas could see temperatures of 105 to 113 degrees during that time, with the hottest temperatures Thursday and Friday, according to the National Weather Service in Los Angeles.

Residents north of San Francisco are expected to see temperatures between 27 and 29 degrees as a heat advisory remains in effect through the evening, according to the NWS San Francisco Bay Area. Siskiyou County, as well as its Oregon neighbors, could see temperatures about 20 degrees above normal, according to the NWS Medford, Oregon.

By Wednesday, parts of California will be under heat advisories as temperatures climb. Those areas include:

  • The Sacramento Valley, including Stockton, Chico, Redding and Sacramento, will see triple-digit temperatures up to 107 degrees, according to the NWS Sacramento.
  • Northern Lake and Southern Lake counties, with temperatures reaching up to 103 degrees, according to NWS Eureka.
  • Excessive heat warnings have been issued for parts of Orange County, including Anaheim, Irvine, Santa Ana and Fullerton, with high temperatures ranging from the mid-90s to 105 degrees, according to NWS San Diego.
  • Excessive heat warnings have been issued for inland valleys of San Diego County, including La Mesa, San Marcos and Escondido, with high temperatures reaching triple digits, according to NWS San Diego.

The City News Service reported that Riverside County will also reach triple-digit temperatures by Wednesday. Dangerously hot conditions are expected in parts of Southwest California starting Wednesday, including cities in Los Angeles County. Pasadena and Pomona are expected to reach highs of 104 degrees while Los Angeles will approach 100 degrees, according to the NWS Los Angeles.

The National Weather Service map shows where heat poses a danger in California

The National Weather Service’s HeatRisk map shows that most of Southern, Central and Northern California will see a moderate level of heat-related impacts on Tuesday. Moderate means most people who are sensitive to heat will be affected, especially if they don’t have ways to cool down or aren’t adequately hydrated.

By Wednesday, most of California will be considered temperate. However, some areas will be considered at major risk for heat-related impacts, or affecting anyone who is not hydrated or does not have access to ways to cool down. This includes Fresno, San Jose, Sacramento, parts of the Inland Empire and cities near San Diego.

California’s deserts will see some of the highest temperatures. Palm Springs will see a high of 117 degrees on Thursday, seven degrees below its July record. Thermal, north of the Salton Sea, will see a high of 115 degrees the same day, according to NWS San Diego.

On Thursday, most of Southern California will move to the major category, while parts of the state, including areas near the southern border, Riverside, Avenal and west of Concord, will be considered extreme. The NWS describes extreme, the highest category on the list, as “rare and/or prolonged extreme heat” that provides little to no relief overnight and affects anyone who is not adequately hydrated or has no access to ways to cool down.

Most of California will be downgraded to moderate and minor heat impact categories by Saturday.

How can I stay safe in excessive heat?

Californians facing high temperatures in the coming days should take precautions to avoid heat-related illness. Here are some tips from the National Weather Service:

  • Eliminate strenuous outdoor activities until the coolest time of day
  • Wear light, loose, light-colored clothing
  • Drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty.
  • Spend time in air-conditioned places
  • Take a cool bath or shower
  • If your room temperature is above 32°C, do not install a fan that blows air directly at you. Dry air will dehydrate you more quickly.

Symptoms of heat stroke

According to the Mayo Clinic, heatstroke is the “most serious form of heat injury” caused by overheating of the body, usually caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

People with heatstroke should seek immediate medical attention, as it can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and muscles. If treatment is delayed, people with heatstroke can face “serious complications or even death.” While waiting for emergency care, people with heatstroke should move indoors or into the shade, remove excess clothing, and try to cool down. Options for cooling down include taking a cold shower, getting hosed down, and placing ice packs or cold towels on the heat, neck, armpits, and groin.

According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of heat stroke include:

  • The main sign will be a body temperature of 104 degrees or higher measured from a rectal thermometer.
  • Altered mental status or behavior
  • Skin feels warm and dry to the touch due to hot weather or skin feels dry or slightly damp due to strenuous exercise
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Red skin
  • Rapid breathing
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Headache

When will it start getting cooler?

Californians seeking relief from high temperatures shouldn’t place too much hope in fall.

The season is expected to bring above-normal temperatures to California. According to the National Weather Service’s monthly forecast, Southern California and western parts of the state are expected to see above-normal temperatures in September, although parts of northern and central California have an equal chance of seeing above-normal or below-normal temperatures this month.

Paris Barraza is a California news reporter for The Desert Sun. You can reach her at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.

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