‘Excessive heat’ this weekend in Merced County, with temperatures in the 100s
Rising temperatures threaten to make the upcoming weekend uncomfortable in Merced County.
Temperatures are expected to rise up to 106 degrees, according to Modesto Vasquez, a a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Hanford.
“There’s a high pressure building up in the area that will warm up temperatures into the triple digits in the Merced area,” Vasquez said. “We expect temperatures of 102 to 106 degrees for the weekend.”
Topical moisture kept temperatures around 91 degrees on Thursday. High pressure is expected come in, raising the temperature to 104 degrees in Merced on Friday and 105 in Los Banos. The temperature is expected to climb to 106 degrees on Saturday in Merced and 105 in Los Banos. On Sunday, it’s expected to be 104 in Merced and 105 in Los Banos.
“The triple digits will remain into next week as the high pressure system remains,” Vasquez said. “There will be an excessive heat watch for this weekend and that might be expanded into next week.”
The City of Los Banos will be opening a cooling zone at the Mercy Springs Church of Nazarene, located at 1238 Santa Barbara Drive in Los Banos, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., starting on Friday, Aug. 14 through Wednesday, Aug. 19.
The City of Merced will be opening the Sam Pipes Room inside the Merced Civic Center at 678 West 18th Street as a cooling zone on Friday and Saturday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Residents are advised to avoid activity during the hottest parts of the day. People should also check on elderly neighbors and pets should be brought inside, or be given cool shelter and plenty of water.
Experts also advise during heat warnings for people to find air conditioning, avoid strenuous activities, wear light clothing, drink plenty of fluids, watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke and never leave people or pets inside of a car unattended.
Warning signs of heat-related issues can vary but may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting, paleness, tiredness or dizziness.
In areas with poor air quality, people with heart disease, asthma or other respiratory diseases should minimize outdoor activities, health officials say. Extreme heat poses a substantial health risk, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, elderly people, those with chronic diseases, pregnant women, people with disabilities and those who are socially isolated.
This story was originally published August 13, 2020 at 6:00 AM.
