The heatwave confronting Fresno and other Valley cities is expected to bring “dangerously hot, life-threatening temperatures,” says the National Weather Service.

But, while you can’t do anything about the weather, you can control how you react to it.

And, the steps you take can save your own life, a relative’s or a neighbor’s. Those steps also could save enough electricity to prevent a brownout or blackout.

Back-to-Back Highs of 110

First, a look at the torrid weather forecast. Fresno’s highs are expected to be 108 degrees Thursday, 110 Friday, and 110 Saturday, NWS Hanford says. Those are 15 to 20 degrees above normal.

Sunday will be a little cooler, about 106 degrees, with a drop to 102 Monday. Relief finally arrives on Tuesday as the predicted high is 95 degrees.

“These extreme temperatures will lead to dangerous heat risk over all our area outside the Sierra zones, and Excessive Heat Warnings are in effect for these areas through Saturday evening,” NWS Hanford says.

The operators of California’s electrical grid said Wednesday that it would issue a Flex Alert for all of California on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. During a Flex Alert, people are asked to voluntarily conserve power.

Meanwhile, PG&E is saying that it “has a plan to address any issues that come from the high temperatures and crews monitoring the situation are ready to respond. We encourage customers to make sure that they are prepared for extreme temperatures as well.”

Perhaps the best thing you can do during a heatwave is check on elderly relatives and neighbors. Or on friends who live in homes that lack air conditioning. Make sure that they are OK and will remain OK.

Fresno Cooling Centers Open During Heatwave

Take advantage of public cooling centers. Fresno’s four cooling centers will be open beginning Thursday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. They are at the Mosqueda Community Center, Frank H. Ball Community Center, Pinedale Community Center, and Ted C. Wills Community Center.

In addition, city pools will be free during those days. Every pool is open, except for the one at Frank H. Ball Community Center.

Other Valley communities have cooling centers as well. Click on this link to find the cooling center closest to you in PG&E’s service area.

How to Stay Safe and Help Prevent Blackouts

The graphics below provide tips for staying safe during the heatwave — and helping prevent potentially dangerous electrical brownouts and blackouts.

Prevent Heat Exhaustion

(GV Wire File)

Signs of Heat Exhaustion