Excessive Heat Watch issued days leading up to Fourth of July: NWS

( KRON ) – Get ready for the warm weather, Bay Area residents. The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch from Tuesday, July 2 through Friday, July 5.

An Excessive Heat Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 24 to 72 hours. A Watch is used when the risk of a heat wave has increased but its occurrence and timing are still uncertain, according to NWS.

The heat watch will primarily impact the Bay Area and the Central Coast.

For residents' safety, the NWS recommends not leaving people or pets in vehicles, limiting outdoor activities during the afternoon and evening, staying hydrated and taking cooling breaks.

Prior to the warming weather conditions, the NWS advises residents to gather food, water and medications, reschedule outdoor events and activities and become informed of the local cooling shelters or other cool locations.  The weather service urges residents to reach out to friends and family to help them prepare as well.

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