Heat settles in ahead of summer, prompting safety warnings

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Summer is still days away, but high temperatures are already settling into the region, drawing families to cooling spots and prompting health officials to warn of potential dangers.

At Figarden Loop Park on Friday afternoon, children filled the splash pad, playing in the water to beat the heat. For some residents, the early spike in temperatures is an adjustment.

"I don't love it, it's something I'm getting used to," said Josh, who added he prefers to stay cool by relaxing outdoors. "I just like to chill in the shade, put a sprinkler on, swim."

At Woodward Park, pet owners began leaving as conditions warmed. Vicky says she tries to keep outings brief for her dog Spencer.

"I try to walk him early in the morning and, if not, come out here and let him run a little bit, but it gets too hot too quickly sometimes," she said.

Forecasters with AccuWeather expect temperatures to run 10 to 15 degrees above historical averages through the weekend, prolonging the stretch of hot weather.

For emergency responders, extended heat events often lead to an increase in service calls. Crews with American Ambulance spent time preparing their vehicles ahead of peak heat hours.

"We always go through the entire fleet, make sure the AC is working for the crews; that way, if we do go to a heat-related emergency, we have somewhere cool to put the patient," Andrew Cipolla, with American Ambulance, said.

Health officials warn that heat can affect anyone, though young children and older adults are especially vulnerable. Recognizing the symptoms of heat-related illness is critical.

"Dizziness, headaches, fast pulse, nausea, vomiting... usually that happens because people are sweating a lot and they start to feel dehydrated," said Dr. Trinidad Solis with the Fresno County Health Department.

Data from Fresno County's Heat Dashboard shows emergency room visits began to rise last month, with one graph indicating spikes later in the day as temperatures peak.

Officials stress the importance of taking precautions during hot weather, noting that extreme heat can have deadly consequences.

"Unfortunately, people have lost their lives to heat stroke, and these deaths are largely preventable," Dr. Solis said.

Last month, Fresno County saw seven possible heat-related emergency calls; in years past, those spikes in June and July.

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