How to stay cool in the Central Valley during this weekend's heat advisory
Tulare County residents should seek a cool activity to avoid this weekend's scorching heat. Or stay indoors.
A heat advisory is in place from Friday through at least Sunday. Triple-digit heat is expected to continue across most of the Central Valley.
Visalia's hottest day is forecasted to be on Saturday, with a high of 107 degrees, according to National Weather Service. Accuweather has temperatures hitting 109 Friday and 112 Saturday. The heat continues next week with highs in the low 100s.
Below are a few ways to beat the heat.
This weekend, two highly anticipated blockbuster films will be in theaters: "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer." Both films will be shown at Regal Visalia and Galaxy Luxury Theatres Tulare.
Lake Kaweah and Sequoia National Park are also options if you'd rather be outdoors at high elevations.
Lake Kaweah's all-day use facilities, campgrounds, and visitor center are open to the public.
Generals Highway is open, but some roads in Sequoia National Park were damaged during winter storms. Portions of the roadway are being repaired and are down to one lane at some locations. Expect delays.
It might be slightly more relaxed at the Valley's national parks, but it will still be hot.
"It's a very hot weekend in Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks, but as tempting as it may be, stay clear of the rivers for your own safety," park rangers warned on social media.
The rivers are "unseasonably swift, cold, and dangerous," NPS officials added. Going into the open water, on purpose or by accident, could quickly become deadly.
When temperatures rise, take the family to Visalia Adventure Park to cool off at Sequoia Springs waterslides. With seven acres of fun for the whole family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, according to the park's website.
The parks has an arcade, bumper boats, batting cages, mini golf, waterslides, and more.
While Adventure Park is open seven days a week, Sequoia Springs, for now, is only open on weekends from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Every last Friday of the month, the park hosts Family Fun Night from 5-8 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person and include unlimited go-karts, batting cages, bumper boats, laser tag, and mini golf.
Admission prices and park hours can be found on the park's website.
Another option is heading to the Visalia Transit Center, which will serve as a cooling center through Sunday. The cooling center is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 425 E. Oak Ave.
The center provides amenities, such as seating, vending machines, and restrooms.
The Visalia Fire Department provides the following tips to help cope with the heat:
Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and, when possible, stay in the shade or an air-conditioned room.
Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes.
Drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic fluids.
Never leave children or pets in a vehicle, even for short periods.
Temperatures inside vehicles can climb rapidly to life-threatening levels, even with the windows partially open.
Periodically check on children and older people.
Remember that animals are affected by the heat. Ensure pets and farm animals have plenty of water and access to shade.
This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Here are a few ways to stay cool this weekend in Tulare County
