Temperatures that could soar past 110 degrees are possible over the weekend, prompting the National Weather Service to issue an excessive heat watch for the region.
The affected area includes the Sacramento Valley, northern San Joaquin Valley, Delta, and adjacent foothills and mountains. The excessive heat watch will be in effect from Saturday morning, Sept. 3 through Tuesday evening, Sept. 6. The predicted high heat could put a damper on plans for the long Labor Day holiday.
Dangerously hot conditions with temperatures up to 112 degrees are possible, according to National Weather Service forecasters.
Locally, the temperatures are predicted to start climbing into the triple digits by Thursday, Sept. 1 when the forecast calls for a high of 104 degrees. The same is predicted for Friday, with 107 possible on Saturday, up to 110 for Sunday and Monday. The long range forecast also includes a possible high of 108 degrees for Tuesday, Sept. 6 and another triple digit day on Wednesday, Sept. 7 before it drops down to just under 100 by Thursday, Sept. 8.
Escalon does not have a dedicated ‘cooling center’ but officials said local residents looking for a cool place to go can stop in at City Hall on McHenry Avenue, where the council chambers are open during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, closed from noon to 1 p.m., and closed on Fridays. City Hall will also be closed Monday, Sept. 5 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.
Escalon Library, at 1540 Second St., is another option for residents to find some relief from the heat.
“We do have a new (air conditioning) unit and it is cool,” said Librarian Amanda Clifford. “They are welcome to come here.”
Library hours are Monday and Wednesday, 1 p.m. to 6 pm.; Tuesday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed on Labor Day.
Escalon Police Chief Gustavo Flores said his department would also assist by doing security checks during the height of the heatwave.
“The elderly and anyone who is having issues with their cooling system can call the non-emergency police phone number, 209-838-7093 and press 1 to speak to dispatch to inquire on a cooling zone in Escalon,” Flores explained. “I will have my staff driving through the Almond Grove Mobile Home Park, Heritage House, and the two mobile parks to check on the residents.”
Forecasters list the impacts of this heat event as being able to significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities over the holiday weekend.
Hottest days are forecast to occur Sunday and Monday. There will be limited overnight relief from the heat, with lows in the upper 60s to mid-80s, forecasters said.
“Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates on this situation. Be prepared to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the National Weather Service indicated in its advisory. “Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.”
