How to keep cool as toasty temps hit the Central Coast
A heat wave is right on our doorstep and temperatures are expected to sore into the triple digits; temps that can prove dangerous. The National Weather Service of San Francisco/ Monterey has issued heat advisories beginning Wednesday for all portions of our viewing area away from the coast. The southern valleys and higher terrain of Monterey and San Benito Counties will upgrade to a warning on Thursday.
Though the climate on the Central Coast tends to be mild, it's important to heed the advisories and warnings. And listen to your body to protect yourself from heat related illnesses.
If you can't escape the heat, Carla Spencer, RN and ER Director at Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System says, “Its really important that if you do need to be outside or you are in the heat, and you don’t have air conditioning that you keep yourself hydrated and out of the direct sunlight and from doing any vigorous activity in the heat of the day when its hot.”
Spencer mentioned, dizziness, confusion, feeling light headed, nausea and vomiting are signs that you need to find ways to cool down. If conditions worsen, visit the emergency room.
But, residences in South Monterey County are already finding relief from the heat, and the public pool in King City is just one way to cool off from the expected sweltering temperatures.
“I hope everybody takes advantage of the pools, the splash pad and stays cool and stays hydrated, especially. Even in our pools you can still get dehydrated if you don’t drink water.” Andrea Wasson, King City Recreation Coordinator.
In addition, the city is helping their community even further by offering a cooling center by request, Wednesday and Thursday, from 11AM to 5PM. If you find yourself getting too hot, you can call City Hall to make your appointment at 831- 385- 3281.
In anticipation of the toasty temperatures another South Monterey County City, Soledad, will be giving away free popsicles and water at Soledad Community Center which is opening its doors to serve as a city cooling center.
Heat tends to be the leading weather related killer in the United States according to the U.S. Natural Hazard Statistics. On real hot days on the Central Coast, Spencer says, “We do see select people that do come to the ER especially our agricultural workers because they are working outside. A lot of times they are covered. They’re heads and face are covered and they are working in that direct sunlight maybe perhaps not drinking as much water.”
A few other cool tips, open your windows and let colder air in at night, then close everything up before the sun sneaks in. Find tricks on the social media, like how to DIY your own air conditioner. Remember to check in your neighbors and family members, especially if they are elderly. And of course if you have a little time off, you can usually find milder temperatures along the coast.
