How to protect yourself from the heat
Experts give tips on how to protect yourself during heat waves.
Ventura County Star
A days-long heat wave is sending temperatures soaring across Southern California this week, bringing us some of the hottest weather so far this summer.
Thursday and Friday are expected to be the warmest days, with temperatures 10 to 20 degrees above normal in Ventura County. A strong high pressure system and little to no sea breeze could mean triple-digit temperatures in some areas, said Ryan Kittell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.
The agency has issued heat warnings for much of the county and other parts of the region, effective Wednesday and expected to last through Saturday, he said.
The warnings mean not only hot weather but also a higher risk of heat-related illness, especially for people who are particularly sensitive, he said. That includes the very young and the elderly, people without air conditioning and anyone who works outdoors, from construction workers to soccer players.
The string of hot days comes on top of one of the warmest summers the country has seen on record. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has ranked the two-month period of June and July as the third warmest in terms of maximum temperatures.
How hot will it be in Ventura County?
According to the weather report, temperatures in the Ojai area could reach as high as 42 degrees on Thursday and Friday. Highs of 38 degrees are expected in the Thousand Oaks area and 38 degrees in Simi Valley.
Elsewhere in the county, temperatures are forecast to reach 35 degrees in Fillmore, 27 degrees in Oxnard and east Ventura, and 35 degrees in Camarillo. Evening temperatures and overnight lows are also forecast to remain above normal, especially in the foothills. In some higher elevation areas, lows could be between 24 and 27 degrees.
A narrow strip along the Ventura coast is expected to remain cooler, but temperatures there could rise above 80 degrees by the end of the week. Kittell called the beaches “the biggest coin flip” in the forecast. If a shallow ocean layer remains, temperatures could stay just below 80 degrees.
When will the heat wave end?
Conditions are likely to cool down a bit on Saturday, but immediate relief is not expected.
The National Weather Service said temperatures will remain well above normal over the weekend, despite a one to three degree drop. Most areas will likely be a little cooler on Monday and Tuesday.
“The trend and forecasts are for it to remain warm, but not as hot as this week,” Kittell said.
Tips for keeping a cool head in hot weather
Experts recommend preparing for hot days and respecting the heat. Tips for cooling down include:
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Limit your time outdoors and take it easy, especially between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- Wear loose, light clothing in light colors.
- Do not leave people or pets locked in vehicles.
- Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. Even a few hours in an air-conditioned environment can help your body stay cooler when you go back out into the heat.
For more hot weather tips, visit cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.html.
Cheri Carlson covers environment and county government for the Ventura County Star. Reach her at [email protected] or 805-437-0260.
