How hot will SLO County get? Here’s the latest weather forecast for Labor Day weekend
Keep those fans handy: It’s going to be a toasty hot Labor Day weekend.
Especially for those living in the inland areas of San Luis Obispo County, the heatwave hitting much of California will cause the mercury to rise well past 100 degrees over the weekend and beyond
The National Weather Service has issued an “excessive heat warning” for certain communities including Atascadero, Lake Nacimiento, Paso Robles, San Miguel, Templeton, Carrizo Plain, Creston, Shandon and Santa Margarita.
That means “dangerously hot conditions” and temperatures up to 113 are likely to hit those areas, according to the Weather Service. The warning is expected to remain in effect until Wednesday evening.
“Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities,” the Weather Service wrote in its warning.
Paso Robles is expected to be the hottest area in the county, with temperatures predicted to hit 112 degrees Friday afternoon, 112 on Saturday and 109 on Sunday, according to the Weather Service. On Monday, temperatures could rise back up to 112 degrees, then drop to 108 Tuesday and Wednesday, the Weather Service predicts.
Slightly cooler temperatures are expected in San Luis Obispo, where the Weather Service has issued a “heat advisory” beginning Saturday and running through Monday.
Friday afternoon will be a cooler start to the weekend, with temperatures expected to hit a high of 83, according to the Weather Service. It’ll heat up over the holiday weekend as the Weather Service predicts the highs to hit 96 degrees on Saturday, 95 on Sunday and 92 on Monday.
Residents can expect somewhat cooler temperatures on Tuesday and Wednesday — 89 and 86, respectively — according to the Weather Service.
Where to cool off in San Luis Obispo County
Want to beat the heat? Unlike in the Central Valley, you’ve got lots of options in San Luis Obispo County.
For one, the entire coast is expected to remain cooler than the inland areas of the county.
Cambria, Morro Bay and Pismo Beach, for example, are predicted to hit a high of about 84 degrees on Saturday — the hottest expected temperature for those communities over the entire weekend. You can expect low 80s or high 70s for the other days.
If taking a dip in a local lake sounds appealing, know that only Lopez Lake near Arroyo Grande and Lake Nacimiento in northern San Luis Obispo County allow swimming. No swimming is allowed in Santa Margarita Lake.
The swimmable lakes are both sitting low due to the region’s ongoing extreme drought, with each at about 25% capacity.
There are a few official cooling centers in the county where residents find air conditioning and escape the heat.
The community room at the Atascadero Public Library will be open Sunday and Monday from 12 to 5 p.m., according to the county. That room will remain open even though the library will be closed.
In Paso Robles, the City Hall and library building at 1000 Spring St. will be open as a cooling center from 12 to 6 p.m. through Labor Day.
Tips for avoiding heat stroke
Extreme heat results in more deaths annually than most other weather-related hazards, according to the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department.
Heat-related illnesses include heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat stroke — characterized by a high body temperature; hot, red, dry or damp skin; a fast and strong pulse; and headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion or loss of consciousness — is an emergency, and immediate medical attention should be sought, according to the Public Health Department.
To avoid harm, the Weather Service advises that residents drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room and stay out of the sun.
“Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside,” the Weather Service advised in its heat warning. “When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.”
This story was originally published September 2, 2022 at 3:10 PM.
