OAKHURST — We’ve all enjoyed the recent bout of cooler weather, and now we need to prepare for the real deal as temperatures hit three digits before long.
While the National Weather Service in Hanford forecasts that the foothills on Saturday, June 18 will hit a high near 84 degrees, and a low around 50, by Sunday, June 19, the temps are expected to heat up to low 90s.
Monday, June 20 marks the official first day of the season, with summer solstice in North America happening precisely 3:34 p.m. PST. Temps will reach the high 90s on Monday, and nighttime temps will land about 55, with a little breeze in the evening.
By Tuesday, Hanford says the hot and sunny trend continues with a high near 100. That prediction repeats on Wednesday, and drops a little bit by Thursday, but it’s clear that summer is here.
Now is the time to prepare for heat. Children and pets are at increased risk of being left behind in hot cars, while others need be aware of cooling center locations.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), hundreds of pets die from heat exhaustion in vehicles every year.
“Your vehicle can quickly reach a temperature that puts your pet at risk of serious illness and even death, even on a day that doesn’t seem hot to you.” Cracking the windows makes no difference, says the AVMA. Click here for more information on pets, vehicles and hot temperatures.
Wondering what to do if you see a pet in a parked car? Click here for more information.
The County of Madera has established the following locations in the mountain area as Cooling Centers during times of extreme heat. The Centers will be open the days and times of the week as indicated on the list provided below.
Other Centers may be opened on an “as needed” basis and will be announced through the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services. Cooling Centers are closed on holidays unless otherwise indicated.
For more information, please contact the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services at (559) 675-7770.
Coarsegold Community Center
35540 Highway 41, Coarsegold
559-683-7953
Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Yosemite Lakes Park Clubhouse
30250 Yosemite Springs Parkway, Coarsegold
559-658-7466
All Week 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sierra Senior Center
49111 Cinder Lane, Oakhurst
559-658-2200
Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
First three Saturdays of the month 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Grace Community Church
56442 Road 200, North Fork
559-877-2346
Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Click here for heat related emergency tips.
