Dangerous heat and dusty winds prompt weekend health warnings across Central Valley
This weekend could be dangerous to people’s health in the Fresno area as temperatures could hit 107 degrees and forecasts of blowing dust and air pollution are prompting caution from the local air district.
A dry cold front with gusty winds is predicted to move through the Valley this weekend, resulting in unhealthy levels of particulate pollution, according to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. High winds are expected to hit the northern and western portions of the Valley on Saturday, subside overnight and then return Sunday.
The district has issued a “health cautionary statement” beginning Saturday afternoon through Sunday for Fresno, Kings, Tulare, Merced, Madera and Stanislaus counties, and the valley portion of Kern County.
All residents are recommended to remain indoors during the windy periods.
Exposure to such particulate pollution can cause serious health problems, aggravate lung disease, trigger asthma attacks and bronchitis, and increase risk of respiratory infections — possibly worsening the effects of COVID-19 infections, according to the district.
Older adults and children should avoid prolonged exposure or heavy exertion outside. People with heart or lung disease should follow their doctors’ advice for dealing with exposure to such pollution.
Temperatures also high
The valley is also under a heat advisory until 8 p.m. Saturday from Atwater to Bakersfield.
Temperatures are expected to range from 102 to 107 degrees, according to The National Weather Service. The city of Fresno was expected to hit 105 degrees Saturday with Modesto reaching 102.
Temperatures along the foothills of the Sierra will range from 96 to 101 degree.
Heat-related illnesses are possible for people who are new to the area, the elderly, young children, and those with chronic illnesses.
City of Fresno cooling centers will be open from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Ted C. Wills Community Center at 770 N. San Pablo Ave. and the Frank H. Ball Neighborhood Center at 760 Mayor Ave.
To reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus, the centers will follow social distancing guidelines, not allow use of recreational equipment and provide masks to visitors.
The city’s FAX bus system will provide free rides to cooling centers.
Saturday’s heat follows a string of hot days, with Fresno highs hitting 101 or higher since Monday.
The area is headed for a cool-down, however. The high temperature in Fresno is forecast to be 92 degrees on Sunday, and 86 on Monday, before temperatures climb back into the 90s later in the week.
