Heat wave triggers Health Alert from Solano County officials

A forthcoming heat wave has prompted county officials to issue a Health Alert, according to a press release sent on Wednesday.

The alert comes after the National Weather Service issued an Excessive Heat Warning for much of Northern California, including all of Solano County, starting Saturday morning and continuing through the Labor Day holiday weekend.

"Everyone should take precautions, especially those who are frail and sensitive to heat," Dr. Bela Matyas, Solano County's Public Health Officer, said in a statement. "Check on neighbors, friends and family, and especially on children, the elderly, and those who are living alone to encourage them to stay in air-conditioned areas as much as possible. If you experience symptoms of heat-related illness, seek medical care immediately."

Health experts say long periods of extreme heat can affect a person's health, especially when a person is outside for a prolonged period of time. Children, elderly people and those who have to work outside are more-vulnerable to weather-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

(Image courtesy National Weather Service, Sacramento)

Locally, inland temperatures could reach as high as 110 degrees in some places between Sunday and Tuesday, while the coastal areas could see upper-90s in some spots, according to weather forecasts.

According to Solano NewsNet's weather portal, Labor Day will see the hottest temperatures in the region. The following was the predicted high temperatures for Monday:

• Benicia: 98 degrees and hot
  
• Fairfield: 103 degrees and hot
• Dixon: 106 degrees, possible record
• Rio Vista: 101 degrees, possible record
• Suisun City: 103 degrees and hot
• Vacaville: 110 degrees, possible record
• Vallejo: 96 degrees, might feel warmer
• Winters: 108 degrees, very hot

During periods of extreme heat, county officials open up local libraries as public cooling centers. All Solano County Public Libraries will be open to those who need a place to cool down during each branch's normal business hours. Solano NewsNet has reached out to officials to find out if the libraries will be open as cooling centers on Labor Day, when branches are typically closed for the holiday.

Local officials may also open up additional cooling centers at places like community and senior centers, local schools and other places. Solano NewsNet will provide a list of cooling centers that are open to the public when they are announced.