It's about to get hot, hot, hot!
A potentially record-shattering heat wave has started enveloping the Southwest United States and is threatening to bring temperatures of more than 120 degrees to parts of Arizona and California next week. Strong high pressure building over Western states is behind the onslaught.
Officials warned of excessive heat throughout the 450-mile length of California's Central Valley. Almost the entire Golden State is predicted to simmer above normal temperatures.
In the Bay Area, temperatures are expected to hover around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coast will be much cooler.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for all of Northern California. Solano County will be under a heat warning. It will be in effect from 11 a.m. Saturday through 11 p.m. Monday.
Young children, elderly people, pregnant women, people with disabilities and animals are especially vulnerable to the heat.
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Forecasters say prolonged heat will make snow melt faster in the Sierra Nevada, where massive winter storms coated towering peaks after years of drought. Waterways could flood, with vacationers warned to be cautious near water and avoid camping close to streams.
Camp counselor Sabrina Chu, 17, said she and others in San Francisco were having kids drink lots of water while playing outdoors. The city was expected to have a high of 82 Sunday, well above the normal upper 60s.
"Compared to other places in California, the Bay has pretty consistent weather, so this is unusually hot for the area," Chu said.
In Pleasanton, this weekend marks the start of the Alameda County Fair, and the threat of triple-digit temperatures doesn't seem to be scaring people away.
Even so, officials are urging people to be prepared.
"Drink plenty of water," said Angel Moore with the fair. "Make sure you wear your sunscreen, wear loose fitting clothing."
Fire and medical teams will also be scattered throughout the event as well as five misting stations.
"We're expecting a lot of heat related emergencies," said Alameda County Fire Department Division Chief Eric Moore. "We're well prepared to deal with heat-related injuries."
Here are some tips on how to stay cool:
- Drink plenty of liquids
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugar
- Limit physical activity, especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- Don't leave people or pets in closed, parked cars
- Stay in air-conditioned areas, including malls, libraries, movie theaters and community centers
- Cool off by taking a bath or shower.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing
- Do not bundle babies or put them in blankets or heavy clothing.
- Cover your head with wide-brimmed, vented hats or use umbrellas
- Wear sunglasses and sunscreen
- Rest in shady areas
