Merced heat shatters record highs amid ‘out of the ordinary’ heat wave. How to stay safe
The heatwave scorching Merced and much of the Central Valley is shattering records set over a century ago and reaching potentially deadly heights, forecasters say.
“It gets hot in the Valley every year, but this is something that’s out of the ordinary,” Kris Mattarochia, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Hanford office, told the Sun-Star.
NWS forecasters project temperatures will peak Tuesday at 115 degrees. The prior heat record for that day was set in 1904, when temperatures reached 108 degrees.
“We’re forecasting a shattering of the record, to say the least,” Mattarochia said. “It would be a new all time record for the hottest temperature ever recorded (in Merced).”
While Tuesday is anticipated to represent the pinnacle of the heatwave, the record-setting temperature is sandwiched between other all-time highs. Monday’s 108-degree heat heat broke the 1904 record of 106.
Although Saturday and Sunday’s temperatures, each recorded at 106 degrees, those days didn’t break records set in 1903, although they only fell short by one or two degrees.
The rest of the week is anticipated to offer little to no respite. Wednesday’s forecast projects a high of 109 degrees, only declining slightly to 108 Thursday and 107 Friday. It’s possible more heat records could be set in the coming days, Mattarochia said.
“When it’s as hot as it is right now, a few degrees really isn’t going to make a difference,” Mattarochia said of the slight decrease in temperature over the coming days. Residents are advised to practice caution against the heat throughout the rest of the week, even after Tuesday’s extreme temperatures.
Originally set to expire Wednesday, the NWS extended its excessive heat warning through Friday evening as a result of the dangerously high temperatures.
Exacerbating the scorching daytime temperatures are nighttime lows that dip to only the mid 70-degree range. Warm nights offer overheated residents little time to recover from the heat before the next day’s temperatures rise anew. Individuals lacking access to air conditioning are especially susceptible.
“There’s going to be heat related illnesses. Everybody is at risk,” Mattarochia said. “It’s a very serious situation.”
To avoid heat stress or illness, Merced residents are advised to stay hydrated, avoid exposure to the heat outdoors and stay out of hot cars. When going outside, individuals should wear loose and light colored clothing, as well as void high energy activities during peak heat in the midday hours.
Children and pets shouldn’t be left in vehicles for any period of time, even with the windows down.
Cooling zones should be utilized by anyone without access to air conditioning. A list of cooling centers is available from the Merced County Office of Emergency Services.
Although they very young and the elderly are especially at risk for experiencing adverse health effects, Mattarochia said anyone can be susceptible to the heat when temperatures are as extreme as this week’s forecast.
“The risk is very high, and it’s for everybody. It doesn’t matter how healthy you are,” he said. “You could be a marathon runner, and if you’re out for an extended period of time, even 15 minutes … it could be quite dangerous.”
The 100-plus degree weather is expected to cool down to the high 90s over the weekend, but Mattarochia said it’s possible the heatwave will persist longer than currently projected. Forecasters are more confidently predicting relief to arrive by the end of the weekend or start of next week, bringing temperatures down to the low 90s.
This story was originally published September 6, 2022 at 12:09 PM.
