Friday, 15 June 2012 01:22

Unseasonably hot and dry weather expected this weekend

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Amador County – The National Weather Service of Sacramento announced unseasonably hot temperatures are expected in the region this weekend, starting Friday, June 8.

Valley temperatures of 98-105 degrees could be expected Saturday and Sunday, and 90-100s in the foothills. Gusts in the northern Sacramento Valley could be 20-30 mph Friday and Saturday. Those planning outdoor activities should be prepared for above normal temperatures, and be aware that fire danger in many areas may become critical, due to heat, and low humidity.

Humidity could be down to single digits, and overnight humidity recovery is only expected to be poor to moderate. Lighter winds are expected Sunday but humidity values will remain quite low.

Slightly cooler temperatures and lighter winds are expected Monday and into next week.

Pacific Gas & Electric urged customers to prepare for rising temperatures and extreme fire danger, with 100-to-105-degree temperatures in interior valley locations and dry northerly winds in foothill regions. Heat related outage activity is possible over the weekend, but a major heat wave is not expected.

Power demand during hot summer weather can overload electrical equipment causing power outages, which occur when circuit breakers or other protective equipment shut off the flow of power in order to prevent further damage to the electrical system.

To stay cool and safe, stay in the shade. Direct sunlight can speed up the effect the heat has on your body. Do outdoor activities in the morning or evening hours, and avoid being in the afternoon heat.

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol. A cool shower or bath is a great way to stay cool and much more effective than using an electric fan. Also, wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing. If you are outside, don’t forget to wear a hat or carry an umbrella to protect your head and neck. Wear sunscreen to protect skin and reduce the risk of sunburn, which affects your body’s ability to cool itself.

PG&E recommended ways to stay cool and still save energy. Keep thermostats at 78° when at home and at 85° when away. Those who are elderly, frail, or sensitive to extreme heat, should lower their thermostat to a cool and comfortable level to avoid a heat-related illness.

Keep many bottles of water in the refrigerator, switch off unnecessary lights, avoid using appliances during the peak heat of the day, use a microwave to heat food instead of an oven. Set pool pumps to run during off-peak hours of the day and use energy-efficient products.

PG&E provides cash rebates for select equipment. See rebates or call the Smarter Energy Line at 1(800) 933-9555.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Read 2140 times Last modified on Friday, 15 June 2012 01:37
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