Heat Notification: Tips to Stay Cool as Temperatures Rise

The National Weather Service is forecasting hot temperatures throughout the region and in Sonoma County over the next few days. Inland temperatures are expected to reach the upper 90s throughout the weekend, with cooler temperatures returning on Monday. Sonoma County will see the highest temperatures on Saturday, July 27 with several areas in the County moving into the orange and red level HeatRisk forecast.

Sonoma County Department of Health Services (DHS) 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.

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

You can 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 do not have air conditioning, visit public spaces such as the library, mall, or community center. 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 - Do Not 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 Sonoma County Department of Health Services’ Heat Emergencies pages:

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

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

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

NWS Experimental HeatRisk Map: https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/wrh/heatrisk/