Get ready, Stanislaus County. At least 6 days of triple-digit heat expected this week
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive-heat watch for all across Stanislaus County for Monday through Saturday because of triple-digit heat and warm nights.
“Moderate to very high heat risk is expected during this time frame, which means there’s an increased risk for heat-related illness,” the Sacramento office of the weather service said in a news release Sunday. “... Overnight low temperatures are forecast to be in the 60s and 70s, which means some areas could see poor overnight relief.”
The forecast for Modesto, which is very similar to those of other local communities, is for highs near 100 degrees Monday, and 101 Tuesday through Saturday. Overnight lows are expected to be 69 or 70 degrees.
The West Side of the county is expected to get the highest highs of the week, reaching near 102 in Patterson on Wednesday and again on Saturday.
According to the weather service, a heat watch is issued when conditions are favorable for excessive heat in the next 24 to 72 hours. A watch is used when the risk of a heat wave has increased but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain.
A watch is a step below an excessive heat warning. On its website, the weather service says a general rule of thumb for a warning is “when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 105 degrees or higher for at least 2 days and nighttime air temperatures will not drop below 75 degrees.”
During the watch period, the weather services advises staying hydrated, staying in air-conditioned buildings and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities.
It also warns that though the air temperatures are high, rivers and reservoirs remain cold. Even experienced swimmers can quickly lose muscle control in frigid water.
On June 14, a 13-year-old boy from Hayward drowned while swimming with family in the Tuolumne River in Waterford.
This story was originally published June 21, 2020 at 12:55 PM.
