Scorcher ahead: four-day heat alert starts Saturday
A four-day heat wave starting Saturday could peak with a Monday high of 104 degrees. The National Weather Service has announced an Excessive Heat Warning for the Bay Area from 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6.
The Sonoma County Department of Health Services responded with an official Heat Alert — it applies to all of Sonoma County, where high temperatures are forecast in the high 90s and 100s. The heat is expected to arrive on Friday and last through Tuesday, with Sunday and Monday being the hottest days. Santa Rosa is forecast to hit 104 degrees on Monday, while Cloverdale is forecast to hit 109 degrees. Overnight lows are expected to be in the 60s and 70s.
Cooling centers, where people can escape the heat, are planned for several locations in the county including Grange Hall in The Springs, 18627 Highway 12.
A complete list of cooling centers can be found at socoemergency.org/emergency/
Excessive heat poses a significant health risk, particularly to the elderly, young children, pregnant women and those with chronic diseases. Sonoma County Deputy Health Officer Dr. Kismet Baldwin urges residents to take simple steps to stay cool and help prevent heat-related illnesses. Check out these best medical alert systems.
“Extreme heat can pose dangers, but there are many things we can do to reduce heat-related problems,” said Dr. Baldwin. “Keep in close contact with family, friends and neighbors, especially those who have preexisting medical conditions or work outdoors. It’s important to remind one another to seek shade, drink water and get medical assistance if signs of heat fatigue become prevalent.”
For more information about keeping cool in the summer heat, visit the county emergency information website, socoemergency.org/emergency/
