Heat in Modesto is here to stay for a spell

Ugh.

The Northern San Joaquin Valley is in the midst of the first extended heat wave of the summer, and the triple digits aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

The National Weather Service issued a “special weather statement” for conditions over the weekend that will include temperatures 15 to 20 degrees higher than normal and the possibility of thunderstorms. Most of the unsettled weather is expected to take place in the higher elevations, but forecasters said there’s a chance they will reach the valley floor Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Those storms aren’t expected to bring much in the way of rain, but the lightning could spark fires, the Weather Service warned.

As for the upcoming days, well, a look at the weather service site says it all: “hot” through Tuesday. If the forecast holds, the area gets a bit of a break Wednesday, when the high is forecast to be 95.

In the meantime, health officials advise staying hydrated, keeping an eye on vulnerable neighbors and family members, and ensuring pets have lots of water and aren’t being walked on hot cement.

Respite is available at area pools and water parks. Modesto’s spray parks are off due to the drought, but parks are open in Empire and Turlock. Modesto does have public pools operated at Johansen and Davis high schools, but they don’t open until June 13. A movie theater also offers air conditioning during the heat of the day, as does the library.

For those looking to cool off in the area’s waterways, the weather service urges a note of caution: “Water safety remains to be a major concern with cold, fast-moving streams and warm temperatures encouraging outdoor rafters and swimmers,” forecasters said in a news release. Anyone who plans to be in the water should wear a life vest.

This story was originally published June 3, 2016 at 3:18 PM with the headline "Heat in Modesto is here to stay for a spell."