07/05/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/05/2024 17:37
Published on July 05, 2024
The National Weather Service extended its excessive heat warning and heat advisory through Wednesday, July 10. Temperatures are expected to range between 93 to 99 degrees. A red flag warning is also in effect for the Santa Cruz Mountains, including Palo Alto Foothills west of 280, through Saturday, July 6 at 9 p.m. and a Fire Weather Watch through the evening of Sunday, July 7.
Temporary safety restrictions continue to be in effect at Foothills and Arastradero Nature Preserves including no open flames or BBQ of any kind. Learn more: www.cityofpaloalto.org/OpenSpace.
In addition to safety tips offered later in this update, please consider checking on elderly neighbors, especially those living alone. VTA is providing free rides to cooling centers through Wednesday, July 10. High temperatures will continue in the Palo Alto area through mid to late next week. The extended forecast shows an above average chance of higher temperatures continuing, so Palo Alto may not get back to normal temperatures until the middle of July.
This level of heat affects most individuals sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. Use these tips from the National Weather Service to stay safe:
In addition to health risks, we are reminding residents and businesses of possible power outages with high heat due to strain on the electrical grid. Consider saving energy during the hottest days. Staff are monitoring statewide electrical grid conditions with low risk today of any statewide impacts. Monitoring will continue through Saturday. Please conserve electricity by raising air conditioning temperature slightly if possible, considering health and safety factors, close drapes and blinds to keep heat out of indoor spaces, and do not run major appliances during the heat of the day and at "peak" energy demand from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Based on the National Weather Service Red Flag Warning forecast, the potential risk for power outages caused by excessive heat may be highest on Wednesday, July 3 and Thursday, July 4. Visit cityofpaloalto.org/efficiencytips for no-cost and low-cost ways to easily save energy. Thank you for doing your part to support the whole community.
In addition, wildfire season is in effect and with excessive heat and dry conditions, please remember to be safe and plan now. Safety reminders and resources can be found here. Fireworks are illegal in Palo Alto, and most of Santa Clara County. For resources and reminders about the risk of fireworks, go to www.cityofpaloalo.org/fireworks.
Hot weather can impact air quality. Check for Bay Area Air Quality Management District alerts here.
Hot weather increases the risk of heat stroke, heat exhaustion, dehydration, hyperthermia, and heat cramps. Those with limited access to cooling including the homeless, the elderly, and children are all at highest risk. Take extra precautions to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you.
Keep cool and stay safe with these hot weather tips:
Visit Palo Alto libraries which serve as Cooling Centers during normal business hours to support community health. Find a full list of Palo Alto libraries below.