The near-record heat baking Fresno and other Valley cities today through Thursday is actually a double-whammy.

Not only will afternoon highs be 15 to 20 degrees about what is customary for late May, but the sudden sizzle doesn’t allow time for people to get accustomed to the triple-digit heat.

So, health officials are advising residents to guard themselves against heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and try to limit outdoor activity.

And don’t forget pets. Never leave them in a parked vehicle.

Heat Exhaustion Leads to Life-Threatening Heat Stroke

There are two types of heat exhaustion: water depletion and salt depletion.

Signs of water depletion include thirst, loss of strength, headache, and passing out. Indicators of salt depletion are nausea, muscle cramps, and dizziness.

If left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which can damage vital organs and result in death.

The National Weather Service in Hanford has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for the Valley today through Thursday.

NWS Hanford predicts a high of 103 today in Fresno, followed by 104 Wednesday, and 106 Thursday. The forecast calls for 103 today, 106 Wednesday, and 107 Thursday in Bakersfield.

Fresno Cooling Centers Open Wednesday

City officials say that Fresno’s cooling centers will open Wednesday. The hours are 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Ted C. Wills Community Center, 770 N. San Pablo Ave., and Frank H. Ball Neighborhood Center, 760 Mayor Ave.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, the cooling centers will not allow the use of any recreational equipment or games while the cooling center is open to the public.

The city’s FAX buses provide free transportation along regular routes to and from open cooling centers. To ride free, residents must say they are going to a cooling center.

Cooldown Starts Friday

NWS Hanford says that temperatures will drop by 5 to 10 degrees Friday and return to seasonal averages by Saturday.

Looking ahead to next week, there is a chance of showers and mountain thunderstorms over the north end of the Valley.