Central Valley residents flock to SLO County beaches amid state’s ‘unusual’ heat wave
San Luis Obispo County beaches were crowded with folks escaping a statewide heat wave that hit California over the weekend and is expected to continue through the week.
This heat wave is “unusual,” said PG&E meteorologist John Lindsey, because it is expected to last so long.
“Most California heat waves last three days,” said Lindsey, who has been forecasting weather along the Central Coast since 1991. “I’ve never seen anything like this before.”
Paso Robles hit a high-temperature record Sunday of 114 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Weather Service. The previous record was 110 in 1994.
That area may see more record-breaking temperatures throughout this week:
- For Monday, the record high is 110 in 1992. It is forecast to hit 112 degrees.
- For Tuesday, the record is 109 in 1967. It is forecast to hit 115.
- For Wednesday, the record is 109 in 1992. It is forecast to hit 115.
- For Thursday, the record is 107 degrees in 1992. It is forecast to hit 110.
San Luis Obispo won’t be quite that hot, but still may see some records fall:
- For Monday, the record high is 94 degrees set in 1962. It is forecast to hit 97 degrees.
- For Tuesday, the record is 97 in 1984. It is forecast to hit 100.
- For Wednesday, the record is 94 in 1986. It is forecast to hit 100.
- For Thursday, the record is 94 in 1963. It is forecast to hit 90 degrees.
The heat wave prompted the California Independent System Operator to direct PG&E to conduct rotating power outages Saturday night. The California ISO is a non-profit organization that oversees operation of the state’s bulk electric power system, transmission lines and electricity market of its member utilities.
The power outages were caused by increased electricity demand, the unexpected loss of a 470-megawatt power plant and loss of nearly 1,000 megawatts of wind power, according to the California ISO. About 20 minutes after the outages were ordered at 6:48 p.m., full power was restored.
The California ISO has ordered a“Flex Alert” for the next four days, which calls for statewide energy conservation from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Between those hours, consumers are urged to:
- Set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees, if health permits.
- Defer use of major appliances.
- Turn off unnecessary lights.
- Unplug unused electrical devices.
- Close blinds and drapes.
- Use fans when possible.
- Limit time the refrigerator door is open.
Consumers can prepare for the Flex Alert by doing the following before 3 p.m.:
- “Pre-cool” homes, or lower air conditioning thermostats to 72 degrees.
- Charge electric vehicles.
- Charge mobile devices and laptops.
- Run dishwashers, washing machines and other major appliances.
- Set pool pumps to run in the early morning or late at night.
Pismo, Morro Rock among popular spots
Beaches in San Luis Obispo County were crowded Saturday and Sunday, with thousands of people enjoying the fresh, cool ocean breeze as an escape from the sweltering inland temperatures.
“We’re just here to get out of our house in Fresno, which is so hot right now,” said Michelle Garcia, who was visiting Morro Rock Beach on Sunday for the first time.
Amanda Bergman, who was visiting with family from Bakersfield and Fresno, said she was happy to spend Saturday at Pismo Beach and Sunday at Morro Rock Beach to escape the heat.
At Cayucos State Beach, Amanda Virgil from Atascadero said the beach was a nice opportunity to bring her two young children outside for some fresh air in cooler temperatures. Virgil also noted that she was happy everyone seemed to be mindful of social distancing to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
“We have our masks and everything for if we were to go eat or something,” she said. “But I think for here, walking the beach without masks is a little better. I feel like if you can keep your six feet, then you’re doing your part.”
Hundreds of beach-goers seemed crowded together in clumps, sticking closer to family and friend groups with some space between them and the next group over. In some places, however, keeping a safe distance from strangers seemed impossible due to the number of people at the beaches.
San Luis Obispo County Public Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein said at a July 29 COVID-19 press briefing that people must simply “do all of the right things” in order to stay safe from catching the coronavirus.
“Stay with your family unit, keep far apart from parties that are also on the beach,” Borenstein advised. “When you do go into town, keep yourselves especially physically distanced from others and wear a mask if you’re going to go into a buisiness.”
Restaurants and businesses near the beaches were crowded, often with lines outside leading on to the sidewalks.
As the heat wave is projected to continue through the week, Lindsey advises as follows:
Visit your local Cooling Center or, call 1-877-474-3266 for more information.
Stay in the shade: Direct sunlight can speed up the effect the heat has on your body. Do outdoor activities in the morning or evening hours, avoid being in the afternoon heat.
Stay hydrated: Keep drinking plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
Take showers: A cool shower or bath is a great way to stay cool and much more effective than using an electric fan.
Limit physical activity: Take breaks during the day. Take a break if you are feeling dizzy; your heart is pounding; or breathing becomes difficult.
Check on your neighbors, especially if they are senior citizens.
This story was originally published August 16, 2020 at 6:49 PM with the headline "Central Valley residents flock to SLO County beaches amid state’s ‘unusual’ heat wave."
