National Weather Service issues warning of extreme heat wave

By Ari Burack, Bay City News Service

July 20, 2006

The National Weather Service on Wednesday issued a warning that the Bay Area may experience dangerously hot weather beginning Thursday and continuing through the weekend.

While temperatures cooled off somewhat on Wednesday, the National Weather Service reported that warm weather is expected to return today, with record high temperatures possible in inland locations by the end of the week and through the weekend.

The National Weather Service forecasted the sweltering temperatures to be highest on Friday and Saturday, with the mercury reaching up to 105 degrees in the Bay Area's warmest inland valleys, and up to 115 degrees in southern Monterey and San Benito counties.

In addition to the heat, the humidity is expected to rise as well making for a very uncomfortable, and possibly dangerous few days, as heat index values may reach 110 degrees in many inland areas during the day, the National Weather Service reported.

National Weather Service officials recommended that those who will be outdoors "exercise extreme caution'' to avoid heat-related illness, as prolonged exposure can cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke. People are recommended to limit their exposure to the heat, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, and drink plenty of water.

The National Weather Service also advised never to leave children and pets inside enclosed vehicles, and to check up on older persons. Physical exercise should be relegated only to the early morning or late night hours.

Campers and those enjoying outdoor activities are asked to be responsible and aware of fire dangers in these conditions.

In addition, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued an advisory that air quality may be unhealthy for sensitive persons Thursday through Saturday in the East Bay and Friday and Saturday in the Santa Clara Valley. The BAAQMD also announced that today will be the fifth Spare the Air day in the Bay Area for 2006.

The hot weather system is expected to expand north and west into much of California over the next few days, and then into Oregon and Washington, according to the National Weather Service.

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