4th of July heatwave is ‘exceptionally dangerous situation,' NWS warns

SAN FRANCISCO ( KRON ) — A days-long heat event that descended on the Bay Area Tuesday and is expected to bring triple digits to much of the region is an “exceptionally dangerous situation,” according to the National Weather Service. An excessive heat warning and heat advisory issued earlier this week has now been extended until next Tuesday.

Inland temperatures are expected to range from the upper 90s to near 110 will result in “major to extreme risk” of heat-related illnesses, the weather service warned. Even in San Francisco, where the excessive heat warning and heat advisory have been extended through Wednesday night, temperatures could hit the mid 90s.

“An exceptionally dangerous situation is underway as we enter a potentially deadly, historic, and prolonged heat event,” the NWS said. The heatwave, which the NWS called “lethal” and “historic,” has also led to a Red Flag Warning being in effect through 5 a.m. Friday morning for the North Bay interior, Santa Cruz mountains, Marin and Sonoma coastal ranges and East Bay hills.

A fire weather watch will be in effect from 9 a.m. Friday through 12 a.m. Monday for the interior Central Coast.

On Tuesday, several fires erupted across the region , and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued a Spare the Air alert , warning of wildfire smoke.

The NWS is advising that residents take precautions, including:

• Hydrating
• Wearing light clothing
• Using air conditioning or visiting a cooling center
• Never leaving kids or pets in the car

“Heat is the number one weather related killed in the U.S.,” the NWS said. “By this weekend, it is very likely that we add to that statistic if preparations are not taken seriously.”

Signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion

The NWS urges people to be on alert for the following signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion:

• Dizziness
• Thirst
• Heavy sweating
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Confusion
• Becoming unconscious

Anyone experiencing such symptoms should move to a cooler area, loosen clothing, sip cool water or ice and seek medical help if symptoms don’t improve.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.