Central Valley to see hotter-than-usual weather this week. When will temperatures peak?
Just when Modesto residents might have thought the weather was taking longer than usual to heat up, the National Weather Service says temperatures are expected to reach 90-plus degrees earlier than usual.
The weather service announced a moderate heat risk for heat-sensitive groups in some parts of the Central Valley beginning Thursday.
Here’s a look at the forecast, including what populations may be affected by the heat and how to prevent heat-related illness:
Weekly forecast in Modesto
The weather service predicts temperatures will rise heading into the weekend, peaking at 91 degrees Friday in Modesto before a cooling trend begins early into next week.
The probability of Modesto seeing temperatures exceeding 90 degrees is 65% Thursday and 61% Friday.
Normal for this time of the year in the Valley is 75 to 78 degrees. The average first 90-plus degree day in Modesto is May 3, according to the weather service.
Meteorologists predict all days this week will be sunny, with mostly clear nights. Here’s the forecast:
- Monday- High of 81; low of 52
- Tuesday- High of 83; low of 54
- Wednesday- High of 87; low of 58
- Thursday- High of 90; low of 59
- Friday- High of 91; low of 58
- Saturday- High of 90; low of 58
- Sunday- High of 89
Weekly forecast in Merced
Merced is also expected to experience a lower-90s heat wave toward the end of the week, with sunny days and mostly clear nights.
- Monday- High of 81; low of 50
- Tuesday- High of 82; low of 53
- Wednesday- High of 88; low of 57
- Thursday- High of 92; low of 59
- Friday- High of 90; low of 58
- Saturday- High of 89; low of 56
- Sunday- High of 88
Heat-sensitive populations
The weather service describes heat-sensitive groups as populations who may need to take actions to prevent heat-related illness at risk levels that may be below current weather service heat product levels.
Those groups, according to the weather service, are:
- The elderly and the very young
- Those on certain medications and/or those with preexisting conditions that make them more sensitive to heat
- Those working outdoors, especially new workers, temporary workers or those returning to work after a week or more off
- Those exercising or doing strenuous activities outdoors during the heat of the day, especially those not used to the level of heat expected, those who are nor drinking enough fluids or those new to that type of activity
- Those without a reliable source of cooling and/or hydration
- Those not acclimated to the level of heat expected, especially those who are new to a much warmer climate
Preventing heat-related illness
“Stay cool,” “stay hydrated” and “stay informed” are the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s three key tips to avoid mild to severe heat-related illnesses in high temperatures.
To stay cool, the CDC recommends limiting outdoor activities to when it’s coolest and if you are outside when it’s hot, rest often in shady areas so your body has a chance to recover.
Sunscreens labeled “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” work the best to prevent sunburn, according to the CDC.
Avoid hot and heavy meal in warm weather, as they add heat to your body.
The CDC says electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, they will not prevent heat-related illness. Move to an air-conditioned area or take a cool shower.
To stay hydrated, the CDC says don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. If your doctor limits the amount you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
Very sugary or alcoholic drinks cause you to lose more body fluid, so these should be avoided. Ice-cold drinks may be satisfying in hot weather, but, according to the CDC, they can cause stomach cramps.
Use a buddy system when working in the heat to monitor the condition of your co-workers and so someone can do the same for you.
People age 65 or older should have someone check on them twice a day during a heat wave.
Check for weather updates, extreme heat alerts and learn about cooling shelters to stay informed.
This story was originally published April 24, 2023 at 12:33 PM with the headline "Central Valley to see hotter-than-usual weather this week. When will temperatures peak?."
.jpg)