MENDOCINO CO., 9/4/24 – In the immortal words of Glenn Fry, “the heat is on.” According to the National Weather Service (NWS) parts of inland Mendocino County could reach highs of 105 degrees today and tomorrow as Northern California endures another heat wave.
NWS issued a heat advisory to start at 11 a.m. this morning through 8 p.m. Thursday. The advisory includes Hopland, Ukiah, Potter Valley, Redwood Valley, Willits, Covelo, Laytonville, and Leggett. The coast and Anderson Valley have no advisories as of Wednesday morning.
A heat advisory is issued when excessive heat is forecast, with highs expected to be 100 degrees or higher for two or more days. The advisory may be extended depending on what Friday’s forecast brings.
The hottest areas of the county will be Hopland, Redwood Valley, Covelo and Ukiah, which can expect highs of 105 degrees. Conditions will be sunny. Here’s today and tomorrow’s NWS forecasted temperatures for areas under the heat advisory:
- Covelo: Highs between 102 and 105 and lows between 54 and 55 degrees.
- Hopland: Highs between 103 and 105 degrees and lows around 59 degrees.
- Laytonville: Highs between 97 and 98 degrees and lows around 57-58 degrees.
- Leggett: Highs between 95 and 97 degrees with lows between 58 and 61 degrees
- Potter Valley: Both days will see high a of 103 and lows near 58 degrees
- Redwood Valley: Highs between 104 and 105 degrees and lows around 59 degrees.
- Ukiah: Both days will see high a high of 105 and lows near 63 degrees
- Willits: Highs between 97 and 98 degrees and lows around 57 degrees.
With hot temperatures comes a higher risk of heat-related illnesses. “Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the agency said in a statement about the advisory. “Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.”
NWS also advises that people who must work outside to take extra precautions:
When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible. 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.
No cooling centers were announced as of Wednesday morning, but local libraries are open during their regular hours. Below, find tips on how to stay safe (including pets!) during the heat wave.
As always, Mendocino County comprises many microclimates, so the weather in your neighborhood may vary. Please visit weather.gov to find your forecast.
Find tips on protecting yourself and your family during heat waves here and protecting your pets here.