Temperatures in Santa Clara Valley are expected to heat up to record-breaking levels in some areas, and the City of Morgan Hill is offering its largest public facilities as “cooling centers” for residents who would suffer from the outdoor heat.
A notice from the National Weather Service sent to City staff earlier this week warns of excessive heat and critical fire weather conditions starting Saturday and continuing at least until Monday.
“A strong ridge of high pressure aloft in the atmosphere, currently over the Four Corners region, will build across the Bay Area by late this week and into the weekend. This will bring very hot and well above normal temperatures to the Bay Area. High temperatures are expected to be well above 100 degrees in many locations across the Interior,” reads the notice from the NWS.
The hottest days of the incoming system will be Sunday and Monday, according to the NWS. The highest temperatures – from 95 to 110 degrees – will be seen in the “interior valleys” of the North Bay and East Bay, and in southern Monterey and San Benito counties.
The low relative humidity expected to accompany the heat will also raise the risk of wild fires, NWS said.
To help residents avoid heat exhaustion, heat cramps, stroke, dehydration and other weather-related hazards, the City of Morgan Hill is offering its recreation facilities as air-conditioned “cooling centers” while the heat sticks around, according to Morgan Hill Emergency Operations Director Jennifer Ponce.
Specifically, the Centennial Recreation Center, Community and Cultural Center and Aquatics Center will be open during normal business hours. Water will be available at the sites.
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department sent out a press release encouraging everyone to follow these tips to stay healthy during extremely hot weather:
• Drink plenty of liquids. Drink water and low-sugar sports drinks, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugar because they make you lose fluids.
• Limit physical activity. Avoid physical activity during the hottest time of the day—10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Never leave people or pets in a closed, parked car.
• Stay in air-conditioned areas. Help keep cool by spending time at malls, libraries, movie theaters and community centers.
• Cool off by taking a bath or shower. Cool baths or moist towels work best. Do not cool children in alcohol baths.
• Wear cool clothing. Lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing can help you keep cool. Cotton clothes are good because they let sweat evaporate.
• Do not bundle babies. Babies do not handle heat well because their sweat glands are not fully developed. Do not put them in blankets or heavy clothing.
• Cover your head. Wear a wide-brimmed, vented hat or use an umbrella when outdoors because your head absorbs heat easily.
• Wear sunglasses and sunscreen. Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher when outdoors.
• Rest often in shady areas. Find shady places to cool down when outdoors.
• Check on frail or elderly family, friends, or neighbors often.
-Centennial Recreation Center, 171 W. Edmundson Ave.; open Monday through Friday 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
-Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road; open Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
-Aquatics Center, 16200 Condit Road; open Monday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday through Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
