By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Sizzling end to summer
Five days of 101 to 106 degree heat
CASWELL crop out trees
Kayakers enjoy the low water of the Stanislaus River along the banks of Salmon Beach at Cawell State Park over the Labor Day weekend. - photo by HIME ROMERO/ The Bulletin

Summer’s last hoorah is going to be one to remember.

The National Weather Service is calling for a string of 100-degree plus days starting today through Saturday. At five straight days past the century mark, it will be the longest string of extreme heat this year. Meteorologists note the expected temperatures are “way above normal” for this time of year.

Today’s high in Manteca is expected to hit 101 degrees after peaking on Monday at 83 degrees at 3:14 p.m. at the Civic Center weather station. The high will ratchet up two degrees a day through Thursday until reaching the highest day on Friday — a projected 106 degrees. It will drop to 104 degrees on Saturday before “cooling off” to 97 degrees on Monday. If all goes according to predictions the 97 degree high will be repeated Sept. 17 and then by Sunday, Sept. 20, high temperatures will range from 80 to 90 degrees for the rest of September.

Fire Chief Kirk Waters said the city will open a cooling center at the Manteca Senior Center, 295 Cherry Lane, on Wednesday through Friday. It will stay open all three days until at least 9 p.m.

“We are opening it to be on the cautious side,” Waters said Monday. “We will reassess things on Friday,”

Friday’s forecast calls for 107 degrees in both Modesto and Stockton. That’s a degree lower than the record high for that date in Stockton and a degree higher than the record for Modesto.

While any day of the next five can be serious for heat-related illnesses, the National Weather Service warns that Friday and Saturday will be especially treacherous due to the high overnight lows. It is expected to cool down to just 72 degrees Friday night and 77 degrees on Saturday night.

Capping that off is a return of moisture in the region Friday night that could lead to a few showers and thunderstorms. The National Weather Service indicated there is a high uncertainty as of today on the occurrence and location of such storms.

The National Weather Service offers for the following tips for dealing with the next five days:

Stay in shade and wear lightweight clothing.

Save activities for the coolest time of the day.

Stay indoors in air-conditioned locations.

Care for pets, livestock, and other sensitive groups.

Head for the coast for some relief.

Always stay hydrated and stock up on extra water.