Excessive heat warning spreads to most of SLO County. Here’s how hot it could get
Even more of San Luis Obispo County could see “dangerously hot” temperatures this week, with many spots potentially hitting triple digits.
According to the National Weather Service, a heat wave is expected across much of California throughout the next week.
In San Luis Obispo County, the NWS over the weekend said a “reasonable worst case scenario” was that Paso Robles could hit 118 degrees on Friday and 117 degrees next Saturday.
Temperatures beginning next week may be dangerously high for parts of SLO County. Although this is worst case, we urge you to prepare accordingly. https://t.co/qywDNAO9vt
— SLO County OES (@slocountyoes) June 29, 2024
On Monday, the National Weather Service expanded its excessive heat warning to include most of the county, except for a small sliver along the coastline.
It warned of temperatures up to 95 to 105 degrees, with “upwards of 105 to 110 possible in the valleys well away from the coast.”
The expanded warning — in effect from 11 a.m. Wednesday to 6 p.m. on July 8 — included Paso Robles, San Miguel, Shandon, Creston, Santa Margarita Lake, Lake Nacimiento, Atascadero, Templeton, Avila Beach and Pismo Beach.
The highest temperatures were expected after Wednesday.
San Luis Obispo was expected to stay mostly in the high 80s to mid 90s throughout the event, according to the Weather Service. Coastal areas like Morro Bay meanwhile will see temperatures in the high 60s to mid 70s.
A cooling center will be available at the Paso Robles Library from Monday to Wednesday and on Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Saturday, the library will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
People can also find air conditioning at the Paso Robles Senior Center on Scott Street from Monday to Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Various public pools will be open across the county this week, too.
How to avoid heat-related illnesses
In light of the warm spell, the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department urged residents to protect themselves from heat stroke this week.
“Staying cool isn’t just about comfort: heat-related illness can be very serious and even deadly,” County Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein said in a news release. “This is true for our most vulnerable neighbors and also for otherwise healthy people who work or exercise outdoors in the heat.”
Symptoms for heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, cold and clammy skin, a fast and weak pulse, nausea, vomiting and fainting.
Heat stroke comes with a body temperature higher than 103 degrees, a rapid and strong pulse, confusion, possible unconsciousness, and hot, red, dry or moist skin — but the person is not sweating, the agency said.
“If you see signs of either illness, immediately move the person to a cooler area to lie down and rest. Cool the person with a cool shower, bath or wet cloth,” the release said.
People experiencing heat exhaustion can drink cool water and often recover without medical attention. Heat stroke, however, is a medical emergency.
“Immediately focus on helping the person cool down and then call 911 or get someone else to make the call,” the release said. “A person suffering from heat stroke should not drink liquids.”
https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=CAZ342&warncounty=CAC079&firewxzone=CAZ342&local_place1=3%20Miles%20NE%20San%20Luis%20Obispo%20CA&product1=Excessive+Heat+Warning&lat=35.3155&lon=-120.6278
To avoid heat-related illnesses, the agency recommended staying in air-conditioned spaces including designated cooling centers, malls and libraries.
“Even a few hours of air conditioning can help your body cope,” the release said. “While fans can provide comfort, they are not effective at preventing heat-related illness when temperatures reach the high 90s or above.”
Take cool showers or baths, and keep a spray bottle of water in the refrigerator for a refreshing spray when needed, the agency said.
The Public Health Department advised people to drink more water than usual and steer clear of alcohol or sugary drinks.
People should also not exercise or work outside during the hottest times of day. While outdoors, people should wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing and wide-brimmed hats.
Drink two to four cups of water per hour while working outside.
Check on neighbors, family and friends who are more at risk to heat-related illnesses, the agency said. People with health conditions, young children, older adults and people without air conditioning are more vulnerable to heat stroke.
Finally, keep pets inside or in shady places away from the sun. Offer them water frequently as they can get dehydrated quickly, the agency said.
