How Hot Will This Weekend Get After Friday’s Record-Breaking 113?

The National Weather Service has declared an Excessive Heat Warning for Pasadena through Saturday night at 9 p.m.

Forecasters say temperatures in Pasadena are actually expected to fall from yesterday’s high of 113 degrees to 103 degrees on Saturday, and to 100 degrees on Sunday.

Friday was the hottest July day in recorded Pasadena history, edging out 1934’s 110 degree scorcher.

Acting Pasadena Public Information Officer Lisa Derderian said the Pasadena Fire Department saw an increase in heat-related emergency calls Friday.

The heatwave will continue next week with temperatures expected to hover between the upper to lower nineties all week through Friday.

Fire conditions are dangerously dry, forecasters warn. Pasadena has not yet declared a Red Flag warning, which would restrict parking on dozens of city streets adjacent to fire-prone areas, but could do so at any time.

There could also be an increased potential for power outages during the period. A Pasadena Water and Power Department spokeswoman said Friday that PWP has staged transformers and other restoration equipment to be ready for easy deployment if needed. Additional crews are on standby in case they need to be called into work.

She urged Pasadenans to conserve energy and to reschedule high electrical use activities until evening hours, such as doing laundry or recharging a vehicle.

Derderian said the situation can be potentially life-threatening to the very young and elderly, those performing outdoor activities, and those without access to air conditioning.

“Heat illness can turn into a serious matter or even a fatality if not treated right away so if you experience signs please call 911 right away,” Derderian said. “Not sweating in high heat is a symptom and someone who “umbles” mumbles, stumbles, fumbles around suddenly. Start hydrating with electrolytes before you’re thirsty because waiting may be too late.”

“Don’t bring your pets out,” Derderian noted. “If it’s too hot for you to walk around, your pet’s paws can easily get burned too.”

She also cautioned residents against using hose water to spray on children and pets. “Do not use hose water unless you test the temperature first. Just from the hose sitting out in this heat turning it on right away can be extremely hot and can cause burns on both pets and people.”

The City of Pasadena has provided further heat-related information, reproduced below.

 

Pasadena residents and businesses with any power emergencies should call Pasadena Water and Power Department at (626) 744-4673.  For water-related emergencies, call (626) 744-4138.  Sign up for PWP’s Outage Management System to get up-to-date alerts on your phone and by email regarding any power outages by visiting www.cityofpasadena.net/waterandpower/OMS.

Pasadena Public Safety and Health Officials also offer the following reminders and precautions during hot weather:

• If possible, stay indoors in an air conditioned environment, especially the young and the elderly.  If your home or apartment is not air conditioned, consider going to an enclosed shopping mall, a public library or a designated cooling center.

• Remember to check on your neighbors, family and friends—especially the elderly—to make sure they are OK.  Take them extra water or a cool beverage.

• Never leave anyone unattended in closed vehicles, including pets!  For more pet care tips visit www.pasadenahumane.org  Remember, if you do leave pets unattended in your vehicles, it is now lawful for persons to forcibly open your car to rescue them!

• Make sure your pets also have easy access to water and a cool place to stay.

• Keep air conditioners set to about 78 degrees.

• Close blinds and drapes to block out direct heat. Use energy efficient fans as alternative.

• Use major appliances in early morning or after 7 p.m., when energy demand is lower.

• Turn off lights, air conditioners, computers, TVs and other electronics when not in use.

• Set refrigerator to 37 degrees, clean coils regularly & unplug unused secondary fridges.

• Air quality can easily degrade during hot weather.  If you have heart disease, asthma or other lung disease, minimize outdoor activity to reduce heat-related illness.

• Symptoms of dehydration and heat cramps include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps and increased thirst.

• Wear light and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

• Drink water often.  Do not wait until you are thirsty.

• Avoid, reduce unnecessary exertion or vigorous exercise, whether outside or in a non-air conditioned building, especially during peak heat hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Seek shady spots; wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim and use plenty of sunscreen!

COOLING CENTERS

• Jackie Robinson Center, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave.,

• Villa-Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa St., Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday.

Visit www.publichealth.lacounty.gov to find other designated cooling centers throughout Los Angeles County.

PASADENA PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS

Pasadena-area public swimming pools operated by the City opened June 5 for the summer season Open/recreation swim fees are $1 for children, teens under 18 and seniors $1, and $2.50 for adults.  All minors under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Please call for hours.

Blair High School Pool, 1201 S. Marengo Ave., (626) 585-2027

Muir High School Pool, 1905 Lincoln Ave. (626) 744-7300

Villa-Parke Pool, 363 E. Villa St. (626) 585-2026

PASADENA PUBLIC LIBRARY

While not official Cooling Centers, the Pasadena Public Library, www.cityofpasadena.net/Library and other local area public libraries offer an enjoyable, air-conditioned respite from the heat and are, of course, a great place to catch up on your reading too!  Pasadena Public Library locations and hours are noted below. The public library and all other facilities listed below are subject to change so please call first if you want to go there. Central Library, 285 E. Walnut Street, (626) 744-4066.   Allendale Branch, 1130 S. Marengo Ave., (626) 744-7260, Hill Avenue Branch, 55 S. Hill Ave., (626) 744-7264, Lamanda Park Branch, 140 S. Altadena Dr., (626) 744-7266, Linda Vista Branch, 1281 Bryant St., (626) 744-7278, San Rafael Branch, 1240 Nithsdale Road, (626) 744-7270, Santa Catalina Branch, 999 E. Washington Blvd., (626) 744- Villa-Parke Branch, 363 E. Villa St.,(626) 744-6510, Hastings Branch, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd. (626) 744-7262,

ICE SKATING

A trip to the Pasadena Ice Skating Center, 300 E. Green St., is also a good way to beat the heat.  Call (626) 578-0800; visit www.skatepasadena.com or email to pisc@skatepasadena.com.