extreme heat

PG&E is warning San Luis Obispo residents of possible power outages this week due to extreme heat and fire risks.

A red flag warning for extreme heat and dry conditions is in effect in parts of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. The National Weather Service issued the warning at noon Thursday and its expected to be lifted by 10 p.m. Saturday.

The Central Coast’s high temperatures are not only impacting humans— pets can also suffer from the heat in San Luis Obispo County.

Girls Inc. in Carpinteria is a girls’ leadership program and a place for after-school care. Now, it’s a climate resilience hub for the neighborhood, too. The non-profit is prepared to serve as a community gathering space during extreme heat events.

Climate scientists expect more heat waves to hit the Central Coast in the coming years, which could put people’s health at risk. Medical experts say taking precautions can minimize visits to the ER.

In the coming decades, the Central Coast is projected to have more days of extreme heat. Our weekly series, The Heat Beat, examines how the region is preparing for higher temperatures.