Northern California heat wave sends hundreds to Folsom Lake. Here’s how they beat it

Hannah Shields
·2 min read
8

July started with the hottest day of the year so far for Sacramento with regional temperatures forecast as high as 110 degrees, and an excessive heat warning issued for parts of Northern California.

The heat warning remains in effect for the Sacramento Valley, northern San Joaquin Valley, Northeast Foothills and the Mother Lode until 11 p.m. Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. Residents of these areas are at a higher-chance of heat-related illnesses due to the extreme heat— especially “those working or participating in outdoor activities.”

For those looking to find relief near bodies of water, such as rivers or lakes, the National Weather Service warned of dangerous waterway conditions that “will continue to run cold and fast.”

The Midtown Farmers Market bustled with vendors and shoppers on Saturday morning, despite the excessive heat warning issued by the National Weather Service.
The Midtown Farmers Market bustled with vendors and shoppers on Saturday morning, despite the excessive heat warning issued by the National Weather Service.

With temperatures climbing to 90 degrees by 10 a.m., a crowd of around 200 visitors had already gathered at the Midtown Farmer’s Market, donning hats, umbrellas and sunglasses. Folsom Lake, around noon, saw hundreds more along the beach or under the shade of trees, with a few taking their boats out to the water.

Zach Christensen, 30, floated near the shore of Folsom Lake on a paddle board with his wife Olivia and friend, Rachel Conshue. Their two dogs, Brisket and Stark, sported life vests as Stark splashed in the water and Brisket perched on top of one of the boards.

Christensen said visiting the lake was the best way for the dogs to stay cool under the extreme heat, since hot pavement burned their paws.

“If you’re going to take your dog for a walk, you should definitely have some kind of foot pads,” Christensen said. “Hanging out in the water is great for all the animals.”

Zach Christensen, accompanied by his wife, Olivia, and colleague Rachel Conshue (left), enjoy the cool waters of Folsom Lake on Saturday afternoon during the hottest day of the year in celebration of Independence Day.
Zach Christensen, accompanied by his wife, Olivia, and colleague Rachel Conshue (left), enjoy the cool waters of Folsom Lake on Saturday afternoon during the hottest day of the year in celebration of Independence Day.

Several people visiting the farmer’s market brought along their dogs as they weaved in and out through the vendors. For Alexis Magtoto, 26, of Sacramento, she worried about the hot pavement for the four-legged pets.

“Booties on your dogs!” Magtoto said. “I see all these dogs, and the ground is too hot.”

Heat also built up under the vendors’ pitched tents, who spent several hours selling under the sun.

Chris Garcia, 27, and Ben Brumer, 31, worked the booth for Alchemist Community Development Cooperation at the Midtown Farmer’s Market from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Brumer and Garcia said they would regularly take breaks from the excessive heat that got trapped within the tent.

“We can go inside stores that are open,” Garcia said, referring to the nearby restaurants along the streets. “They’re open to restrooms and also have waters for free. Everyone is pretty supportive of staying hydrated.”

Drinking plenty of water and finding shade was the universal piece of advice to beat the heat from most people at the farmer’s market, including five-year-old Eleanor Kaing, who said she’d rather take a swim at McKinley Park.

“I hate (the heat),” Eleanor said. “It’s burning!”