The National Weather Service (NWS) has upgraded the holiday weekend weather event to an Excessive Heat Warning for interior areas of the North Bay Area, including Santa Rosa. The Warning is in effect from 11am Saturday (9/5) to 9pm Monday (9/7). The forecast calls for record or near record heat with widespread readings between 95-105 with overnight lows in the 60s and 70s leading to poor heat relief, warmest inland and in the higher terrain. The hottest days for Santa Rosa are expected on Sunday and Monday.

The City of Santa Rosa is reminding residents to be mindful of the heat and follow these safety tips:

• Never leave children, seniors, or pets in a parked car during periods of intense summer heat.
• If possible, stay out of the sun and in air-conditioned areas.
• Drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool.
• Check on seniors and those most susceptible to heat impacts.
• Take extra care for pets, crops, and livestock.
• Watch for hot pavement when walking dogs.

Cooling Centers Open
Due to the heightened weather conditions, the City will activate a cooling center on Sunday and Monday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day at Steele Lane Community Center (415 Steele Lane, Santa Rosa). Site details and other information can be found at SRCity.org/HighRiskHeatEvent.

Flex Alert Issued for Holiday Weekend
The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, beginning Saturday and extending through Monday, from 3 to 9 p.m. each day. During this time, residents and businesses are asked to use AC early in the day, pre-set thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, defer use of major appliances, turn off unnecessary lights, unplug unused electrical devices, close blind and drapes, use fans when possible, and limit time the refrigerator door is open from 3 to 9 p.m. For information, visit the ISO’s Flex Alert website.