SANTA CRUZ — With Santa Cruz County and the Bay Area bracing for the first major heat wave of the year, local officials are urging the public to be cool when it comes to both body temperature and some of the high fire risk activities typically associated with America’s Independence Day. The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning Monday that includes the Santa Cruz Mountains and surrounding inland areas as the slow-moving airmass approaches. The advisory, in effect from 11 a.
m. Tuesday to 8 p.m.
Saturday, includes a recommendation to drink plenty of fluids, limit strenuous activities to the early morning or evening hours and to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. “Excessive heat poses a significant health risk, particularly to the elderly, young children, pregnant women and those with chronic diseases,” Santa Cruz County Health Officer Lisa Hernandez said in a Monday release. “Avoid prolonged exposure to the heat, especially direct sunlight.
Hydrate well, check in on others and never leave children or pets in vehicles.” Other safety precautions offered by the county include wearing sunscreen and light clothing, staying in an air-conditioned area if possible and avoiding drinks with caffeine and alcohol. According to National Weather Service meteorologist Dalton Behringer, the Santa Cruz Mountains could experience temperatures as high as 105 during peak hours, but the overnight hours, which could remain in the high 60s or low 70s in high-elevatio.
