‘Holy Toledo, that’s a long heat wave.’ Paso Robles could see weeks of triple-digit temps

A heat wave will sweep San Luis Obispo County during the week of Fourth of July — and the warm weather may overstay its welcome.

Paso Robles residents should brace themselves for almost two weeks of triple digit temperatures, according to meteorologist John Lindsey.

“Holy Toledo, that’s a long heat wave,” he said.

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for most of San Luis Obispo County except for a sliver of the coast this week. That’s expected to be in effect from Wednesday at 11 a.m. to July 8 at 6 p.m.

San Luis Obispo will see temperatures in the high 80s to mid 90s during the heat wave, while coastal areas like Morro Bay will stay in the high 60s to mid 70s, the Weather Service said.

Meanwhile, the heat wave will slam Paso Robles with “dangerously high” temperatures, the San Luis Obispo County Office of Emergency Services posted on social media platform X.

The National Weather Service estimated peak temperatures of 106 on Tuesday, 104 degrees on Wednesday, 107 degrees on Thursday and 112 degrees on Friday in Paso Robles.

The forecast looking further out is similarly hot.

Lindsey said Paso Robles temperatures could reach 111 degrees on Saturday and 110 degrees on Sunday, with the possibility for more triple-digit temperatures through July 14.

If the heat persists as planned, this will be the longest heat wave in San Luis Obispo County that Lindsey has ever experienced, he said.

He advised residents to stay hydrated, avoid sugary or caffeinated beverages, seek air-conditioned spaces and check in on elderly neighbors who are more vulnerable to the heat.

“People can tolerate the heat for about 72 hours, but after three days — that’s when people start getting stressed,” Lindsey said.

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.

Could Paso Robles beat a heat record?

Paso Robles may break a daily heat record this week, but the city is unlikely to beat the county’s all-time heat record, Lindsey said.

On Friday, the Weather Service forecast a high of 112 degrees in Paso Robles. This means the city is poised to beat the July 5 heat record set in 2007 of 110 degrees, Lindsey said.

The hottest day on record in San Luis Obispo County was Sept. 6, 2020, when the mercury reached 120 degrees at Cal Poly.

“That really smashed the record,” Lindsey said.

That day, high atmospheric pressure was concentrated east of San Luis Obispo, which pushed hot air down the Cuesta Grade toward Cal Poly.

The atmospheric pressure will be similarly high this week, Lindsey said, but it will be concentrated over the Pacific Ocean — pushing sea air to the coastline that will cool down the county.

Paso Robles’ hottest days on record meanwhile were July 20, 1960, and June 15, 1961, when the temperature reached 115 degrees — heat still somewhat higher than this week’s forecast, Lindsey said.

How to avoid heat-related illness

In light of the warm spell, the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department urged residents to protect themselves from heat stroke.

“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.”

To avoid heat-related illnesses, the agency recommended staying in air-conditioned spaces including designated cooling centers, stores 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.