SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A dangerous heat wave is hitting California for the Labor Day holiday weekend.
High pressure will be bringing a stretch of 100s that starts during the week and last through much of the following week.
An Excessive Heat Watch is in effect starting Saturday and lasts through next Tuesday. Peak highs will hit Saturday through Labor Day with highs from 105-115° in the valley and 90-104° in the hills and mountains.
This will be a dangerous stretch of heat with little relief overnight as lows only drop into the 70s and low 80s in some locations.
All-time record high temperatures are possible during this stretch of heat. In the valley, those records range from 113-115°.
People working or spending time outdoors will be especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or the more serious heat stroke.
A person experiencing heat exhaustion may be dizzy, thirsty, be sweating heavily, nauseated or weak. When symptoms worsen, the person may stop sweating or become unconscious. It's important to call 911 to get immediate help.
The California Independent Systems Operator is expecting an increased electrical demand across much of California and much of the Western states region beginning Thursday, intensifying through the upcoming Labor Day weekend and extending to Wednesday, Sept. 7.
To prevent widespread blackouts, consumers can take a few steps to keep the power on and save money on electric bills.
Their top three actions from 4-9 p.m. are to set thermostats to 78 degrees; avoid using large appliances; and turn off unnecessary lights. Flex Alerts have been an effective way to lower electricity use and help the grid through the most stressed time.
Visit FlexAlert.org for more conservation tips and to sign up for alerts.
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