Pasadena Health Officials Warn Residents to Check on Older Adults as Mid-March Heat Hits 90s

The Pasadena Public Health Department on Thursday urged residents to take immediate steps to protect older adults as a National Weather Service Heat Advisory took effect across the San Gabriel Valley, with temperatures in the city forecast to reach the low-to-mid 90s — roughly 20 to 30 degrees above normal for mid-March.

The department posted a social media advisory directing residents to ensure that older adults drink enough water, have access to air conditioning, and wear light clothing. The post also warned: if someone shows signs of heat-related illness, call 911. The advisory directed residents to HeatReady.ca.gov, California’s statewide extreme heat safety resource, for additional guidance.

The Heat Advisory, issued by the National Weather Service, covers the San Gabriel Valley and 11 other zones across Los Angeles County from 10:00 a.m. Thursday through 8:00 p.m. Friday. Temperatures could reach between 90 and 100 degrees across the region, according to the NWS. AccuWeather forecast a high of 92 degrees for Pasadena on Thursday, which would break the previous record of 89 degrees for the date, set in 2015.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued its own advisory on March 10, urging precautions against heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heat cramps. The county department identified older adults, young children, outdoor workers, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions, and those who live alone as especially vulnerable, according to the press release.

“Heat causes more deaths in the U.S. annually than floods, storms, and lightning combined,” said Muntu Davis, the Los Angeles County Health Officer, in the county’s advisory. “Those most likely to get ill during the heat include older adults, young children, outdoor workers, athletes, and individuals with chronic medical conditions.”

Davis urged residents to seek medical help immediately if they or someone nearby experiences symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, including dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, confusion, or passing out, according to the press release.

Early-season heat poses particular risk because bodies are not yet acclimated to high temperatures, according to the California Department of Public Health. The state health department notes that people over 65 do not sweat as much as younger adults, and seniors are more likely to take medications that interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature.

The county health department recommends that residents without air conditioning visit a public library, cooling center, or other air-conditioned space. In Pasadena, the Jackie Robinson Community Center at 1020 North Fair Oaks Avenue serves as the city’s designated cooling center. Residents can call (626) 744-7300 for information on hours. Pasadena’s public library branches also offer air-conditioned indoor relief.

Pasadena Dial-A-Ride members can schedule transportation to cooling locations by calling (626) 791-7200. Pasadena Transit routes also provide access to community centers and libraries. Residents can find cooling center locations countywide by visiting ready.lacounty.gov/heat/ or calling 211, which is available around the clock.

Additional heat safety resources are available at the city’s Extreme Weather Portal at CityOfPasadena.net/extreme-weather-portal/. Residents can also sign up for emergency alerts through the Pasadena Local Emergency Alert System at CityOfPasadena.net/Fire/PLEAS/. For power emergencies during high heat, Pasadena Water and Power can be reached at (626) 744-4673.

The heat advisory is the second to affect Pasadena in less than a week. The NWS issued a Heat Advisory for Sunday, March 8, as well, when temperatures reached into the upper 80s and low 90s across the region.

“Remember, your safety and the safety of others is crucial during extreme heat conditions,” Davis said. “If you or someone around you experiences symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, confusion, or passing out, seek medical help immediately.”

The current heat is expected to ease slightly over the weekend, with highs in the mid-80s, before another potentially hotter stretch arrives next week, according to the NWS forecast.