The prolonged heat wave gripping the Bay Area to start July has created an "exceptionally dangerous situation" that has the potential to turn deadly, the National Weather Service said.
"Several days of temperatures well above normal will lead to compounding effects among people and infrastructure, with the possibility of numerous heat related fatalities," the weather service said in a statement. "It cannot be stressed enough that while one day at these temperatures may be manageable for some, an event of this scale, magnitude, and longevity will likely rival anything we've seen in the last 18 years."
The weather service urged people to take the proper precautions, such as drinking plenty of water, wearing lightweight and loose fitting clothing, and cooling down in locations with air conditioning.
"Heat is the number one weather related killer in the United States," the weather service said in a statement. "By this weekend, it is VERY LIKELY that we add to that statistic if preparations are not taken seriously."
People thinking about heading to the beach to cool off should be extra cautious, the weather service warned. Despite the sizzling air temperatures, water temperatures in the bay and along the coast are still running cold.
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