Excessive Heat Warning Issued for Sonoma County

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Sonoma County beginning Saturday, Sept. 5, at 11 a.m. through Monday, Sept. 7, at 9 p.m. A Fire Weather Watch also has been issued for the North Bay mountains for Monday evening at 10 p.m. through Wednesday at 9 a.m. The highest temperatures during this time are expected to occur during the early to mid-afternoon on Tuesday.

Sonoma County Department of Health Services and Emergency Response partners remind residents that excessive heat poses a significant health risk, particularly to the elderly, young children, pregnant women and those with chronic diseases. Heat-related illnesses range from cramps and heat exhaustion to heat stroke and, in extreme cases, even death. Warning signs of heat-related illness include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, tiredness or dizziness, nausea or vomiting, headache or weakness.

While it remains critical for everyone to practice safe social distancing and to avoid large groups during this COVID-19 pandemic, DHS encourages individuals to take what immediate actions are needed - such as visiting air-conditioned buildings - to protect their health and safety during this high-heat event.

However, if you do seek shelter outside of your home, continue to wear face coverings and try to stay at least six feet apart from others. If you have symptoms or are COVID-19 positive, do not relocate to one of these alternate sites and call your health care provider instead.

To check the temperature in your area, visit the National Weather Service for updated information.

With respect to COVID-19, those communities that are offering cooling centers should follow guidance provided by the California Department of Public Health here: www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/GuidanceforCoolingCenters.aspx.

Protect yourself and those around you by following these guidelines:

• Drink – Drink plenty of cool fluids, even if you are not physically active and even if you are not thirsty. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.
• Dress – Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Add a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher).
• Decrease – Limit physical activity, and stay indoors in an air-conditioned space. If you must be physically active, lower your intensity and take frequent rest breaks in the shade.
• Defend – If you must do work outside, try to schedule it during the early mornings or evenings after it has cooled down. During the heat of the day, stay in shaded areas. Monitor coworkers and ask them to do the same for you. Check on the elderly, infants and young children frequently. Check on those with medical illnesses or those who are on medication.
• Demonstrate – Use common sense. Make sure animals and pets have plenty of fresh water and shade. Consider bringing pets inside and consider wetting down outside animals.
• Don’t – Don’t leave any person or pet in a parked car for any length of time for any reason.

For more detailed information on dealing with heat emergencies, visit the DHS Heat Emergencies pages:

General: sonomacounty.ca.gov/Public-Safety/Heat-Safety/

For weather information, visit the Bay Area National Weather Service (NWS) page below:

NWS San Francisco Bay Area Weather Map: forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?zoneid=CAZ506