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Get ready for 4 days of 100-degree plus heat
heat wave

The first triple digit day of 2020 is arriving Monday.

The 100-degree forecast for Memorial Day kicks of what is expected to be four consecutive days of triple-digit figures with the high of 108 degrees on Wednesday that will be repeated again Thursday before cooling off to a high of 93 degrees on Friday.

Ironically, the forecasted low for next Wednesday is 70 degrees, just 3 degrees higher than the high of 73 this past Monday when the South County received rare late May rain.

The mini-heat wave is expected to create safety concerns.

Even though snow fall was below normal putting the Northern San Joaquin Valley as well as the Central Sierra currently in moderate drought conditions, late snow storms have increased the chance for colder runoff.

Not all restrictions have been lifted on being able to access rivers and lakes. That is expected to keep crowds down. But the water will still be running cold despite the 100-degree heat. Authorities are reminding people proper fitting life vests are essential as is water for hydration, proper fitting shoes, and sun protection.

The National Weather Service stressed triple digits with little overnight cooling creates a high heat risk not just for sensitive group such as the young, elderly and ill but even for the general population. People are advised to take extra precautions to stay cool, to dress for the heat, to stay hydrated, limit time outdoors, and to check on the elderly, kids, and pets.

Typically during high heat risk times electrical demand soars, prompting PG&E and other providers to issue alerts to reduce use in a bid to avoid blackouts.  Usually the worst day for overloads to occur is on extremely hot weekdays when people are at work. The pandemic may change the dynamics with more people at home than usual.

The usual community options to cool off won’t be available due to the protocols for dealing with COVID-10. The Lincoln Pool is not scheduled to reopen for general swimming and use until June 15. The Library Park’s interactive water play feature usually turned on for use by kids when the mercury soars past the 90 degree mark is shut off for now.

Commercial options such as dropping by to see a flick at an air conditioned cinema is off the table as well until later phases of the reopening of the economy.

Manteca Fire Battalion Chief Dave Marques noted that even though the Manteca Senior Center is closed currently due to stay at home orders still in effect, it will be open Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 1 to 9 p.m. as a cooling center for anyone needing a respite from the heat.

Marques added that the city will assess whether the cooling center will be open additional days as the heat wave unfolds.

The city will provide masks and have social distancing protocols in place.

If there is no one remaining at the cooling center by 7 p.m. each evening, it will close until the next day.

 

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com