The first real heat wave of the summer is predicted to strike
Morgan Hill beginning today, with temperatures expected in the
upper 90s, increasing during the rest of the week.
The first real heat wave of the summer is predicted to strike Morgan Hill beginning today, with temperatures expected in the upper 90s, increasing during the rest of the week.
According to the National Weather Service, Morgan Hill residents can expect the warmest temperatures of the year so far, though not record-setting highs. Temperatures could likely climb into triple digits by Wednesday or Thursday.
Forecasters predict highs in the area today will reach the upper 90s, with overnight lows in the mid-50s to lower 60s. Wednesday’s high could hit 100 degrees, with overnight lows in the 60s; the forecast for Thursday is similar.
Winds will be moderate, from 5-20mph at times, and humidity in the area will drop.
All of these factors combine to make what Santa Clara County Fire Department Battalion Chief Ken Kehmna calls “typical fire season conditions.”
“We need to remind everyone that these are the kind of conditions that are conducive to fires,” he said. “Careless actions, such as throwing a cigarette out of a car window, can lead to big problems. As the weather changes to a more summer weather pattern, we typically see more drying winds, more significant heat and a lowering of humidity.”
Kehmna said residents should take basic precautions, such as using yard equipment during the earlier hours of the day when the moisture level in the vegetation is higher.
“A spark from a mower can quickly ignite dry grass,” he said.
Fire officials also recommend creating a “defensible space” around homes by clearing brush away, moving woodpiles away from the house, pruning back low-hanging branches and keeping gutters free of leaves and debris.
Local officials would also like to remind residents of the danger to pets and small children if they are left unattended in a vehicle in high heat.
“Often times during warm weather we receive many animal control calls from concerned citizens about pets left in the car with windows rolled up or barely cracked,” Morgan Hill Police Cmdr. Joe Sampson said. “In minutes, the temperature can go from 75 degrees, when the air-conditioning was on, to 105 degrees. It can be disastrous for pets. Of course, for children, the law forbids leaving small children unattended in a vehicle at any time.”
