Triple-digit heat will return to Fresno and other Valley communities with a vengeance on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

Fresno and Clovis will be under an Extreme Heat Watch beginning late Friday morning and extending to 8 a.m. Sunday.

Other communities, including Hanford and Merced, will be under a Heat Advisory during that time.

Fresno area temperatures are expected to climb to 98 degrees Wednesday, 102 degrees Thursday, 106 Friday, 107 Saturday, and 104 Sunday.

NWS Hanford also forecasts a 20% chance of rain Saturday in Fresno.

Staying Safe in Extreme Heat

Extreme heat poses health risks for everyone and especially for young children, those who are pregnant, senior citizens, and those in residences lacking air conditioning.

Public health officials recommend drinking ample fluids, going to a place with air conditioning such as a mall, movie theater, cooling center. During heat waves, it’s also smart to check in with neighbors and relatives to see how they’re faring.

Heat-related deaths are on the rise in the United States, where high temperatures have caused or led to the deaths of more than 21,500 people from 1999 to 2023, JAMA reported.

The California Department of Public Health stresses that heat-related illnesses and deaths are largely preventable, but they require awareness and action if people are prepared and follow recommended precautions. Some of these tips are featured in graphics at the bottom of this story.

Cooling Centers

The city of Fresno opens its cooling center when NWS Hanford predicts a high of at least 105 degrees.

Based on the current forecast, city cooling centers will be open Friday from noon to 8 p.m.

The centers are at:

• Ted C. Wills Community Center, 770 N. San Pablo Ave.

• Mosqueda Community Center, 4670 E. Butler Ave.

• Maxie L. Parks Community Center, 1802 E. California Ave.

Anyone needing transportation can ride a FAX bus for free. Tell the driver you would like to go to the nearest cooling center.