Cooling Centers Open To Beat Heat

Bay City News

There will be few places within the Bay Area to escape the heat this weekend, with temperatures on the rise even along the coast, a National Weather Service meteorologist said.

There are some areas inland such as Livermore, parts of Napa County and in the South Bay where temperatures are expected to reach triple digits this weekend, meteorologist Suzanne Sims said.

A heat advisory for inland areas will be issued Saturday at 11 a.m. and is likely to continue throughout the weekend.

Sims said the hottest day in the region will likely either be Sunday or Monday.

She said the prolonged heat wave will continue until mid-week, cooling off for the Fourth of July.

One option for those sweating it out in the inland areas is to visit a cooling center, many of which are opening this weekend and next week.

Throughout Contra Costa County, the county's Area Agency on Aging has opened centers to help seniors cool off in many cities including Danville, Antioch, Concord, San Ramon, Pinole and Walnut Creek.

Agency officials also advise heading to a shopping mall, library, movie theater, restaurant or senior center to get a respite from the heat.

Public health officials from throughout the region are advising residents to stay healthy in the sweltering temperatures.

Health officials advise staying hydrated, wearing light-colored clothing, wearing sunscreen and getting out of direct sunlight.

For pets, the Marin Humane Society is urging owners to leave the animals at home this weekend.

Animals should have plenty of water and not spend too much time outdoors. Most importantly, pet owners are reminded to never leave a pet in the car.

On a warm day, conditions inside a car could prove fatal, with temperatures in a non-ventilated space reaching up to 160 degrees in mere minutes, according to humane society officials.

People will be inclined to increase water use, but the agency is urging residents to irrigate lawns and outdoor spaces overnight and cover pools and hot tubs to avoid evaporation.

Additionally, people are advised to water outdoor spaces in two short cycles rather than one long watering session.

State officials are also warning residents to prepare for the excessive heat. More information about staying healthy, cool and hydrated is available at www.calema.ca.gov/PlanningandPreparedness/Pages/Heat.aspx.