As the current heatwave continues, Californians are encouraged to take precautions to stay cool as most areas likely won’t see relief until early next week.
Excessive heat warnings and watches are in effect for much of California through the weekend and next week. For the next week, Bakersfield will remain in triple-digit heat, with this weekend’s temperatures hitting 114 and 115 degrees.
“California is in the middle of a record heatwave – and now is not the time to let our guard down. We must remain vigilant – stay cool, stay hydrated, and check in on loved ones and neighbors,” stated Governor Gavin Newsom.
Earlier this week, Governor Newsom directed the Office of Emergency Services to activate its State Operations Center and move into Phase II of its Extreme Temperature Response Plan. This response will ensure a 24/7 coordinated response to the heatwave.
To stay safe from extreme heat, Californians are encouraged to do the following:
- Stay cool (during the hottest times of the day)
- Those without air conditioning should consider going to a cooling center.
- Avoid physical exertion or exercising outdoors.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Stay hydrated
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, even when not thirsty; drink sports drinks (in moderation with water) to help replace electrolytes lost during exercise.
- Avoid sugary, alcoholic, and very cold drinks.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Stay connected
- Monitor those at higher risk of heat-related illness including infants and young children; people 65 years of age or older; individuals with chronic illness, disabilities or who are pregnant. Determine risk at heatreadyca.com.
- Californians are also encouraged to check on their neighbors – call or visit higher-risk people, and offer to pick up groceries, medication, and other necessities. Older adults, young children and babies, people with chronic medical conditions, and those who are pregnant are most at risk.
- Use a buddy system when working in the heat.
- As a precaution, keep all communication and medical devices charged.
- Stay informed
- Check the local news for weather forecasts, extreme heat alerts, and cooling centers.
- Stay safe outdoors
- Always be safe around the water.
- Make sure you and your loved ones wear properly fitting, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Several public and private entities make life jackets available to the public on a loan basis.
- Always supervise children by appointing a designated “water watcher.”
- Know your limits. Swimming in a lake, ocean or river is different than swimming in a pool.
- If someone is in distress, seek help from a lifeguard or call 9-1-1 if one is not available.
Locally, senior citizens and others at risk from extreme heat can find relief at one of the various cooling centers across Kern County. Cooling centers have operating hours of 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and a list is provided below.
Arvin | |||
Arvin Community Center 800 Walnut Drive Get Map | 7/5/2024 OPEN | 7/6/2024 OPEN | 7/7/2024 OPEN |
Bakersfield | |||
East Bakersfield Veterans Building 2101 Ridge Road Get Map | 7/5/2024 OPEN | 7/6/2024 OPEN | 7/7/2024 OPEN |
California City | |||
Strata Center 10350 Heather Avenue Get Map | 7/5/2024 OPEN | 7/6/2024 OPEN | 7/7/2024 OPEN |
Frazier Park | |||
Frazier Park Recreation Building 3801 Park Drive Get Map | 7/5/2024 OPEN | 7/6/2024 OPEN | 7/7/2024 OPEN |
Lake Isabella | |||
Kern River Valley Senior Center 6405 Lake Isabella Boulevard Get Map | 7/5/2024 OPEN | 7/6/2024 OPEN | 7/7/2024 OPEN |
Maricopa | |||
Gusher Hall 271 California Street Get Map | 7/5/2024 OPEN | 7/6/2024 OPEN | 7/7/2024 OPEN |
McFarland | |||
McFarland Veterans Center 103 W Sherwood Ave (Open 4PM- 8PM) Get Map | 7/5/2024 OPEN | 7/6/2024 OPEN | 7/7/2024 OPEN |
Rosamond | |||
Hummel Community Building 2500 20th Street Get Map | 7/5/2024 OPEN | 7/6/2024 OPEN | 7/7/2024 OPEN |
Shafter | |||
Walker Senior Center 505 Sunset Avenue Get Map | 7/5/2024 OPEN | 7/6/2024 OPEN | 7/7/2024 OPEN |
Taft | |||
Taft Community Center – Activity Building 500 Cascade Place Get Map | 7/5/2024 OPEN | 7/6/2024 OPEN | 7/7/2024 OPEN |
Additionally, PG&E announced that on July 1, electric rates will decrease by 9%. This is a temporary rate change designed to help customers save on their bill during the hottest months of the year.
“We are always looking for ways we can help make energy service more affordable for customers,” said Vincent Davis, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience. “This is a temporary rate change, but we know it is coming at the right time, especially for customers who live in hotter climates and have higher bills during the summer months.”
In the Central Valley, this rate decrease can potentially provide an even bigger benefit as people tend to use more energy to cool their homes in the hotter summer months.
Californians can learn more about these heat projections and what they mean for their community by using the California Heat Assessment Tool. Californians can find their community’s heat risk level by using the National Weather Service’s HeatRisk Prototype or by following local weather forecasts.