A heatwave in Santa Clara County has prompted the opening of cooling centers throughout the region. This decision was made in response to a Heat Advisory for the entire Bay Area, issued by the National Weather Service (NWS), spanning from 11 a.m. today to 11 p.m. tomorrow. The advisory was announced by the Santa Clara County government's news.
Daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-90s to 100 degrees are expected to be seen, and overnight temperatures are only set to fall to the mid-60s in lower elevations and the lower 70s in hill areas. Locations like the Santa Clara Valley, notably San Jose, and the eastern slopes of the Santa Clara Hills, are most likely going to feel the heat.
There is an increased risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, due to the heightened temperatures. Outdoor workers, individuals lacking access to air conditioning, young children, older adults, and people with chronic medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to these conditions.
County libraries, in response to these conditions, have been opened as cooling centers. They are offering safe, air-conditioned environments for those seeking respite from the heat. Regular operating hours will remain in effect for San José libraries, with the locations and hours available on their website. Additional cooling centers have been set up throughout the county, and these are listed on the PreparesCC.org Heat Safety website.
Kathryn Kaminski, the Deputy Director of the Office of Supportive Housing, has urged community members to ensure their own safety during the Heat Advisory. She remained assertive about the role of County Libraries, saying, “they continue offering their facilities as cooling centers and providing a haven from the heat.” Teams of outreach personnel and community volunteers are working with service providers to visit encampments, distribute water, and raise awareness about the cooling centers and critical resources.
Different safety measures are recommended during the Heat Advisory, among them drinking plenty of water and electrolyte beverages, keeping physical activities limited during peak heat hours, and routinely checking on family, friends, and neighbors, especially older adults and those with chronic health conditions, per the County of Santa Clara.
