SALINAS VALLEY — Cooling centers have opened across the Salinas Valley for residents to escape from the excessive heat this weekend.
City of Greenfield is offering a cooling station every day through Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Greenfield Civic Center, 599 El Camino Real. Visitors are asked to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
In Gonzales, a cooling center will be open Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fairview Middle School, 560 Fifth St. Temperature checks at the door and masks are required.
King City residents can drop by a cooling center set up at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds, 625 Division St., on Saturday and Sunday, from 12 to 4 p.m.
“The City expresses its appreciation to the Salinas Valley Fair for their service to those in need in the community,” said Steve Adams, city manager of King City. “… The City will re-evaluate the need for a continued cooling center on Monday and release information on the location and time if demand continues.”
Soledad has opened a cooling center beginning Sunday and continuing through Friday, Aug. 21, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the South County YMCA, 560 Walker Drive. Face masks are required to enter the facility.
An excessive heat warning has been issued for the next five days in the Salinas Valley, including the cities of Greenfield and King City as well as Arroyo Seco, Pinnacles National Park and Lake San Antonio.
From Saturday through Wednesday, excessively hot conditions are expected with afternoon highs between the upper-90s and mid-100s. Temperatures could reach as high as 111 degrees in some areas, according to local weather forecasts.
A fire weather watch/red flag warning for all Monterey County communities is also in effect beginning at 4 p.m. on Saturday until 11 p.m. on Sunday. This means that critical fire weather conditions — a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures — are forecast to occur.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” according to Saturday’s news release from the National Weather Service. “Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.”
“Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening,” the release continued. “Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible.”
