Bay Area residents deal with more triple digit temps
The Bay Area braced for yet another day of triple digit heat on Wednesday. With another scorcher on tap, communities that were expected to see extreme heat took action to keep people and pets safe.
A Heat Advisory remains in effect for interior portions of the East Bay, North Bay, and Santa Clara Valley through 9 p.m. ABC7 News Meteorologist Drew Tuma says a south wind added more moisture to our atmosphere, which made the day feel warmer.
State officials are calling on residents to voluntarily conserve electricity during the heat wave, as demand on the power grid surges. California's Independent Supply Operator has issued a Flex Alert urging consumers to set thermostats to 78 degrees and reduce the use of appliances between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. The alerts call for voluntary conservation so the state will not have to dip into energy reserves.
There are a lot of summer programs going on for children at the Camden Community Center in San Jose, but they're not staying outside for long. Everyone's keeping a close eye on their loved ones and pets and temperatures soar.
Working out at the crack of dawn takes discipline. Or, for extra motivation, you could hire a large, muscular man named Bruno to yell at you.
At the Campbell Community Center, dozens of people started exercising early while temperatures were still in the mid-60s.
"You don't sweat as much but it's not showing right now," said Campbell resident Catherine MacDougall.
Health experts say heat related illness and dehydration are real concerns as a heat advisory is in effect until 9 p.m.
"You come here in the middle of the day when it's really hot it drains you, dehydrates you, and you don't get as good of a workout," said Campbell resident Steve Cain.
The dog days of summer can be a big problem for your pet.
Sage Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Care in Campbell sees a couple dogs a week suffering from heat stress or stroke. Symptoms are excessive panting, desire for water, and unwillingness to continue on their walks.
"And then you'll notice gastrointestinal upset," said veterinarian Mary Aslanian. "You might see vomiting or diarrhea and then you'll see collapse and unresponsiveness. Generally by that point they're on the way to the hospital."
If you start to see the symptoms of heat stress, vets recommend you cool them down by taking them out of the heat, wet them with tepid water, and give them plenty of water to drink.
"If I'm going to keep them outside I make sure there is tons of shade and tons of water and they're not moving around too much," said Los Gatos resident Dominque Garcia.
Heat related illness is a big concern when temperatures soar -- especially for children, the elderly and people who are sick. The heat can also tire you out. Health officials are reminding residents to drink lots of water, dress in lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, limit physical activity, do any outside labor in the early morning or evening and to watch out for pets and make sure they have enough water and shade.
Anyone who needs to get out of the heat should go to a public library or community center. Cooling centers may be available in area senior centers and other locations.
If you live in the South Bay there will be some place to help keep you cool. A cooling center at the Campbell Community Center will open at 1 p.m. and close at 8 p.m. In San Jose, there are six public pools to help you beat the heat. If you're looking for a place for you and your kids to cool down, go to one of these San Jose public pools.
A list of potential cooling centers in Contra Costa County is available at cchealth.org/heat/cool-locations.php.
The heat wave is expected to extend into the holiday weekend.
How do you plan on beating the heat? Share your photos with us by tagging them Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook with #abc7now.
Click here for the full AccuWeather Forecast, and click here to download the ABC7 Weather App.
The Associated Press and Bay City News contributed to this report.
