Heat wave to hit triple digits in Fresno. What’s in store, and where to cool off

A high-pressure ridge parked over the Central San Joaquin Valley is prompting an Extreme Heat warning through the week, as the National Weather Service forecasts temperatures will rise past 110 degrees by the Fourth of July.

The weather service says everyone living in the region is at risk from the heat, and air conditioning “is necessary” for all and that “fans and open windows at night will not be enough.”

Two wildfires burning in the region, the Lightning Complex Fire in Eastern Fresno County and the Basin Fire in the Sierra National Forrest, are compounding the hazardous weather by degrading air quality, particularly in the South Valley.

Forecasters say Saturday will be possibly the hottest day, as the ridge of hot air will be directly over the region by then. The heat wlll be even less tolerable over the Mojave for those Fresnans daring to venture toward Las Vegas, as the giant thermometer at Baker is expected to rise north of 115 degrees.

Outdoor workers and others including the unhoused who have no choice but to be outside in the weather are especially at risk. Workers most at risk include those in agriculture, construction, package and mail delivery, and landscaping, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

But those in law enforcement also face the heat. Fresno Police spokesman Bill Dooley noted that officers flying on the department’s helicopter and riding motorcycles have few options to avoid the weather, nor do those investigating a crime scene.

Former Fresno Police Chief Andy Hall, a former motorcycle officer, once noted that on days like this, some officers sometimes sought to cool off by borrowing the walk-in cooler at a convenience store for a few minutes.

For the unhoused, the City of Fresno has opened cooling centers at:

• Ted C. Wills Community Center, 770 N. San Pablo

• Frank H. Ball Neighborhood Center, 760 Mayor

• Mosqueda Community Center, 4670 E. Butler

• Pinedale Community Center, 7170 N. San Pablo

• Romain Neighborhood Park, 745 N. First

Where to escape the heat

Other than staying home parked under a cooling vent, Fresno has options for those looking for a cool breeze.

• The Fashion Fair Mall can be counted on for temperatures in the low 70s,

• Movie theaters as well offer a respite from the searing heat, along with the latest in entertainment.

• The adventurous might consider learning how to ice skate. The Gateway Ice Center, on Marks Avenue north of Clinton Avenue, offers skating hours for those who know to skate, plus programs for those who want to learn. Oh, and the temperature inside is about 50 degrees.

Bring a sweater.