Excessive Heat Warning for SLO County Interior Valleys
Author: County Fire Department
Date: 8/31/2017 1:23 PM
San Luis Obispo County is expecting to experience a period of above average temperatures and low humidity through the end of the week.
An excessive heat warning was issued today for Cayuma Valley and the interior valleys of San Luis Obispo County. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued the warning and says it will remain in effect until 10 p.m. Saturday. There is also a decrease in the live vegetation moistures in locations around San Luis Obispo County. In some locations vegetation moistures are below critical.
Given the predicted weather conditions coupled with the observed vegetation moistures, the potential for a significant fire event with extreme fire behavior remains very high in San Luis Obispo County. CAL FIRE encourages the public to take extra measures to make sure you and your family are fire safe.
Ninety-five percent of all fires have a human related cause. Wildfire prevention is everyone’s responsibility.
The combination of strong high pressure and weak onshore flow will continue to produce dangerously high temperatures across the region through at least Saturday. It will remain quite warm at night, and temperatures will likely not drop below the mid 70s in many inland areas. Coastal areas will be warm up as well, as onshore flow weakens.
Some cooling is expected Saturday, but temperatures will still be well above normal and all the current advisories and warnings will continue through at least Saturday evening.
The very high temperatures create a dangerous situation in which heat related illnesses are possible. Temperatures inside vehicles, even if the windows are partially open, can quickly rise to life-threatening levels.
Never, ever, leave people or pets in enclosed vehicles, even for a short period of time. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light-weight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
To reduce risk during outdoor work the occupational safety and health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency - call 911.
For ideas and tips how you can do your part to prevent wildfires visit www.calfireslo.org or www.readyforwildfire.org. Remember one less spark is one less fire!
