Extreme heat wave expected for Merced through Labor Day weekend. What you need to know

Merced County residents who are considering staying close to home for the holiday weekend need to beware, to quote Buster Poindexter, because it’s going to be “Hot, Hot, Hot.”

The National Weather Service in Hanford has issued an excessive heat warning from Wednesday until about 8 p.m. next Tuesday, according to Meteorologist Bill South.

That means high temperatures are expected to reach a high of around 102 Wednesday before trending upward the rest of the week, ranging anywhere from 104 to 109 degrees Thursday through Saturday.

Plus, the peak of the heatwave is expected to occur Sunday and Monday as high temperatures could reach 106 to 111 degrees in some areas of Merced County, South said.

Temperatures will start to slowly decrease after Labor Day, although the warning will most likely be extended through next Wednesday. “We probably won’t get any substantial relief from the heat until Thursday, Sept. 8, or Friday Sept. 9,” said South.

It’s not the first time Merced has seen such extreme heat. On Sept. 7, 2020 Merced hit a high temperature of 110, the hottest September day on record for the city.

The extreme heat isn’t necessarily a recent phenomenon for the city either. Back in 1904, the city hit 108 on Sept. 6 of that year.

Taking care of health

South advises those looking to avoid the heat to take common sense steps such as staying in air-conditioned rooms and buildings as well as avoiding strenuous activities that could lead to dehydration and heat related illnesses.

For those who have to go outside during the excessive heat warning, South recommends wearing light and loose fitting clothing, staying hydrated and limiting exposure to the heat.

Those most at risk of heat-related illnesses include anyone who spends most of the day outside, including agricultural workers, firefighters, utility workers and landscapers.

There are additional risk factors for those who are obese, take certain prescription medications, drink alcohol or have diseases such as diabetes or kidney and heart problems, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Those who must work outdoors should be cognizant of the four states of heat illness, according to the clinic. They are:

Heat rash, which occurs when sweat is trapped under skin. Heat cramps, when excessive sweating causes the body to lose electrolytes. Heat exhaustion, caused by loss of fluids. Heat stroke, caused by a rising core temperature. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that can lead to organ failure and death.

Anyone experiencing severe heat illness is advised by the clinic to seek emergency treatment.