By Tammy Murga | Signal Staff Writer
Triple-digit weather steady into next week and wildfires raging throughout the state have extended a heat alert and caused “unhealthy” air quality for all of the Santa Clarita Valley.
Air conditions labeled as unhealthy by the South Coast Air Quality Management District are expected through Friday. Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, L.A. County’s interim health officer, said in a prepared statement that people with heart disease, asthma or other respiratory diseases should minimize outdoor activities.
As for weather conditions, the Los Angeles County health officer extended the heat alert to last through Tuesday.
Highs near 106 degrees are expected for the remainder of the week, dropping just a few digits with temperatures ranging from 100 and 102 into early next week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
These high, long-lasting temperatures are caused by “high pressure, which causes the air in the area to sink and compress. This makes the air hot,” said NWS spokesperson Keilay Delerme. “Cooler temperatures are not expected anytime soon.”
Anyone partaking in outdoor activities, older adults, caretakers of infants and children, and those sensitive to the heat should especially take the necessary precautions during severe weather conditions.
“When temperatures are high, even a few hours of exertion may cause severe dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” Gunzenhauser said in the statement.
The county advises sports teams to schedule outdoor practices during “very early or very late” hours in the day as one way to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Additional tips include:
- Avoid drinking sweetened drinks, caffeine and alcohol, and instead, consume water or electrolyte-replacing sports drinks.
- Do not leave pets outside in the sun, a garage or an unattended vehicle, even with the windows “cracked” or open.
- Pay attention to signs of dehydration, such as dizziness, fatigue, faintness and headaches. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should move to a cooler, shaded place and hydrate.
- During peak heat hours stay in air-conditioned areas such as one’s home or cooling centers.
Cooling Centers
Santa Clarita Old Town Public Library
24500 Main Street
Newhall, CA 91321
(661) 259-0750
Santa Clarita Public Library (Canyon Country)
18601 Soledad Canyon Road
Canyon Country, CA 91351
(661) 250-3301
Santa Clarita Public Library
23743 West Valencia Blvd.
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
(661) 259-8332
SCV Senior Center
22900 Market Street
Newhall, CA 91321
(661) 259-9444
Acton Agua Dulce Library
33792 Crown Valley Rd.
Acton, CA 93510
(661) 269-7101
