A weekend heat wave will hit inland areas of the Central Coast, and the National Weather Service issued excessive heat warnings for the Cuyama Valley and northern San Luis Obispo County, including Atascadero and Paso Robles.
Temperatures up to 113 degrees were expected, according to the warnings, which were in effect through 9 p.m. Monday.
Coastal Santa Barbara County will have weekend highs in the 80s, according to National Weather Forest Service forecasts, while the Santa Ynez Valley will reach the 90s.
The NWS Los Angeles Office released graphics explaining the possibility of new heat records for the region over the weekend.
The models produced a range of forecast temperatures, and “record heat along the coast may still only be in the 80s,” according to the NWS.
California issued a statewide Flex Alert for Friday between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., calling on people to save energy as much as possible in those hours due to the extreme heat in many parts of the state and the high demand for electricity.
During Flex Alerts in June, consumers reduced their usage enough that that there were limited rotating power outages, according to the California Independent System Operator.
During a Flex Alert, the California ISO recommends that people conserve energy by:
» Turning air thermostats to 78 degrees or above, if health permits.
» Avoiding the use of major appliances.
» Turning off unnecessary lights.
» Unplugging unused electrical items.
» Using fans for cooling.
The NWS has recommendations for staying cool and avoiding heat-related illness:
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
“Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible.
“To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9-1-1,” the NWS wrote in its excessive heat warning.
— Noozhawk managing editor Giana Magnoli can be reached at gmagnoli@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.