San Luis Obispo County is advised to prepare for a heat wave expected this week, with residents and visitors experiencing hot temperatures until Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are anticipated to soar into the triple digits, with highs reaching between 100 and 105 degrees.
Forecasters predict higher temperatures this time around compared to the previous heat wave that occurred last month.
“We’re going to see some pretty warm temperatures over the next few days,” National Weather Service meteorologist Bryan Lewis said. “It looks like Wednesday has the potential to be the warmest.”
While high temperatures are not uncommon during this time of year, the dry conditions combined with the elevated temperatures have prompted a fire weather watch for San Luis Obispo County. Lewis warned that the drier weather makes these conditions contribute to vertical plume growth and historically large fires have occurred in the region.
To stay safe during the heatwave, officials recommend staying inside cool areas whenever possible, avoiding leaving pets or children in parked cars and staying hydrated.
Additionally, Lewis cautioned against hiking, noting that temperatures can increase significantly even a short distance above the ground.