BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — With triple-digit heat making its way to Bakersfield, families flocked to local spray parks in order to beat the heat.
With this heatwave continuing for the next several days, the National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning. The NWS suggests residents drink plenty of water, wear light and loose-fitting clothing, and do any physical activity in shaded areas. Officials say residents should try to avoid the sun or try going out later in the day in order to avoid heat-related illness.
Heat-related illness symptoms include nausea, fainting, and headaches or muscle aches. those most vulnerable are those with chronic illnesses, newborns, pregnant women, and the elderly.
Andy Bollenbaucher with the NWS in Hanford also says to never leave children or pets inside of a car.
As we are expecting an even greater warm-up Tuesday, there could be a chance that cooling centers will open, the county saying that the San Joaquin and Kern River Valley must reach 105 degrees in order for this to happen, 108 degrees in the desert areas, and 95 or high in Frazier Park
In Bakersfield, those looking to cool off can enjoy any of the city's nine local spray parks.
The parks will be open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday through Labor Day. The parks will be closed on Mondays to allow for maintenance work and water conservation. The parks will be open on Mondays that are also observed holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
The parks are operating on a reduced time schedule as a "proactive step to help conserve water following the governor's drought declaration in Kern County." However, the city manager says these changes were not mandated by the state.
