Bay Area braces for soaring temperatures as heat wave approaches

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Clik here to view. by Kate Conger Public health officials in San Francisco are offering residents tips about how to prepare for the coming heat wave.

The San Francisco Department of Public Health says residents should stay hydrated, drink water before they feel thirsty, wear light-colored clothing and stay out of the sun as temperatures climb into the low 90s on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Officials also warn that San Franciscans should be on the lookout for those suffering from heat-related symptoms such as difficulty breathing, rapid pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion and chills, and help anyone suffering symptoms to seek medical attention.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory warning for Tuesday and Wednesday in the Bay Area. The advisory states that temperatures are expected to approach record levels of warmth and that the areas of greatest concern are San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose.

The temperatures have also caused the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to issue its second consecutive Spare the Air alert for smog. Pollution is expected to reach unhealthy levels tomorrow and commuters are asked to carpool or take public transit rather than driving to work alone.

“As this early hot spell continues, it’s critical that Bay Area residents look for better ways to get to work other than driving alone,” said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the Air District. “Vehicle traffic accounts for most of the ozone-forming pollution in the Bay Area, and choosing commute alternatives such as carpooling or taking transit can make a big difference when it comes to protecting air quality and our health.”

Meanwhile, fog-loving San Franciscans are not happy about the sunshine:

Is there a support group anywhere for people who can't stand when SF gets hot weather? One + heat wave coming this week

— Tracy Garza (@tracygarza) May 12, 2014

Heat wave soon in SF...kill me.

— Lauren // Zoo (@aZooRe) May 12, 2014

Second heat wave in May in SF. Damn, it is hot already and the peak temp is still 48hrs away. Too hot to go bike riding :(

— Linda Stuurman (@rwlinda) May 12, 2014

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