Summer and fall bring many chances for fun in the sun and outdoor hobbies. While creating many opportunities for fun, summer and fall weather can also create situations in which Heat Advisories, Excessive Heat Warnings, and Red Flag Warnings are issued.
What are these and how do they impact your day-to-day life?
Hot conditions could threaten heat-sensitive communities. They could also have major effects on commerce and travel. The National Weather Service issues Heat Advisories when temperatures range from the the lower 80’s to mid 90’s, and Excessive Heat Warnings when temperatures range from the upper 90’s to 110. These advisories and warnings impact human health and society. During heat waves, check on family, friends, and neighbors at higher risk. This includes older adults, young children, and people with pre-existing conditions.
Days with high gusty winds and low relative humidity (dry air) trigger Red Flag Warnings. These factors cause critical fire weather. They make it easier for a fire to spread rapidly in grasses and shrubs. High temperatures do not trigger a Red Flag Warning. But, they are usually linked to them in the summer and fall.
Heat Advisories and Excessive Heat warnings = high temperatures above 80 degrees
Red Flag Warnings = high winds and low relative humidity
What can you do to keep yourself, your family, and community safe during Heat Warnings and Red Flag Warnings?
Do:
- Limit outdoor activities in the hottest part of the day from 10 am to 4 pm
- Seek shade if outdoors
- Stay hydrated and take cooling breaks
- Properly discard cigarettes.
- Keep vehicles off dry grass or vegetation.
- Be alert in public lands and avoid closed areas.
- Sign up for local emergency alerts at AlertMarin.org.
- Check on people in heat sensitive communities
- Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and know how to act fast.
Don’t:
- Avoid using barbecues, fire pits, or any open flame outdoors.
- Avoid using power tools or mowers.
- Never leave people or pets in vehicles
To learn more about how to stay safe during heat waves visit MarinHHS.org/Heat-Safety.
To learn more about when Red Flag Days and Heat Warnings occur in Marin County, visit weather | Public Emergency Portal – Marin County and keep an eye out for Red Flag signs around the City at your nearest fire station.