An Excessive Heat Warning is now in effect for the San Joaquin Valley, West Side Hills, and Sierra Nevada foothills from 12 PM PDT Tuesday afternoon until 7 PM PDT Thursday evening. An Excessive Heat Warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures is expected. Heat related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke are possible. Drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun, and remain in an air-conditioned room.

Heat-related impacts are possible Tuesday for most people if simple precautions are not taken. Plan to take action to reduce time outdoors, drink plenty water, and remain in air-conditioned buildings. Heat-sensitive groups, such as the elderly, young children, and those with chronic ailments may need assistance to avoid heat-related illness. As always, never, ever leave a child or pet in an enclosed automobile.

Heat-related impacts are possible Tuesday through Thursday for most people if simple precautions are not taken. Plan to take action to reduce time outdoors, drink plenty water, and remain in air-conditioned buildings. Heat-sensitive groups, such as the elderly, young children, and those with chronic ailments may need assistance to avoid heat-related illness. As always, never, ever leave a child or pet in an enclosed automobile.

With the first heat wave of the calendar year looming, rivers and streams in Central California may look inviting, but can be quite dangerous to those who enter. Rivers and streams are still being fed by melting snow over the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada, while reservoirs that are nearly full are releasing large volumes of water. Therefore, rivers and streams will continue to run cold, deep, and swift through at least the next several days, resulting in potentially life-threatening hazards. Brief exposure to the cold water of a river or stream may lead to hypothermia. Swift currents can quickly exhaust even an experienced swimmer and carry them into rocks, trees, and other vegetation within the river channel. Bottom line is that rivers and streams are dangerous places to seek cooling relief from the heat. Venturing into them cam result in drowning or water rescue.