[Sunshine in Bakersfield, California this morning. From CALTRANS]
The first blast of summer’s heat will be felt in the San Joaquin Valley today (Wednesday) as temperatures soar into the triple digits for highs. A Heat Advisory has been issued into this evening for central California, including Bakersfield and Hanford.
Heat sensitive people and those who are slow to acclimate to meteorological summer will be most prone to heat illness. Dehydration and prolonged exposure or strenuous physical activity outdoors during the hottest time of the day could lead to heat exhaustion and/or heat stroke. If you have to be outside this afternoon, wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and wear light colored, loose fitting clothing.
A Heat Advisory is in effect for much of the San Joaquin Valley from 12 PM PDT this afternoon until 8 PM PDT this evening. High temperatures will be 100 to 102 degrees across much of the San Joaquin Valley. #cawx pic.twitter.com/NqQghSoAzy
— NWS Hanford (@NWSHanford) June 5, 2019
The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Take extra precautions, if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
[Heat risk map for today (Wednesday) with the Heat Advisory in the gray shaded area. From NWS Hanford]
To reduce risk during outdoor work, the occupational safety and health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Mace Michaels