Out in the heat and haze Monday, Gilbert Jones of Greg Carpenter Concrete, Inc., works on columns for the main entrance of Lodi Memorial Hospital. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

Lodi could face scorching heat, lower air quality

The Lodi-Galt area could endure record-breaking temperatures today and Wednesday as a massive heat wave descends on the Central Valley.

And some of the smoke that made people cough and made buildings look yellowish-brown two weeks ago will return to the Valley.

Today's high is expected to range from 106 to 108 degrees, which would break the July 8 record of 104, set way back in 1932, according to AccuWeather.com, a private forecasting firm. Records were available only for Stockton Metropolitan Airport.

On Wednesday, temperatures could reach 110, breaking the July 9 record of 107 set in 1961, according to AccuWeather.com.

The low tonight is expected to be a balmy 67 degrees, and Wednesday night, it will "cool" to 64 degrees.

The city of Lodi has set up a cooling center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday in the Pisano Room at Hutchins Street Square, 125 N. Hutchins St. Books, board games and water will be available. Senior citizens may also cool off at the senior center.

In Galt, the city had not established a cooling center by Monday afternoon, but one will be set up if the Office of Emergency Services recommends it, said City Clerk Liz Aguire.

It is unclear whether the smoke that caused people to cough frequently two weeks ago will be as intense this week. There are conflicting reasons why it may or may not happen, according to Shawn Ferreria, senior air quality specialist for the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.

On the one hand, a couple of wildland fires that sent smoke toward Lodi — in Napa-Solano counties and in Merced-Mariposa counties — are now contained, Ferreria said. That should reduce the smoke coming toward Lodi.

On the other hand, the high-pressure system that is responsible for the heat wave this week is more intense than the weather system that created the smoke-filled airways two weeks ago, Ferreria said. So that is a reason the smoke could be worse.

"The air quality will continue to deteriorate the next few days," Ferreria said. "If you see smoke or smell smoke, you should limit outdoor activity as much as possible."

Lodi Dr. John Connolly, a lung specialist, said that seniors, children, smokers and people with asthma or other breathing problems should refrain from being outdoors as much as possible.

"I don't know if it makes big difference if you have healthy lungs," Connolly said.

Local electrical providers said they are ready for the onslaught of air conditioner use and will do whatever possible to keep power on. George Morrow, Lodi Electric Utility director, acknowledged that there could be some isolated power outages, but he will have all his equipment and employees ready to respond to any outages.

Spokeswoman Nicole Tam from Pacific Gas and Electric Co., which provides electricity to rural areas outside Lodi, advises people to conserve energy during hottest times of day. For example, do your laundry or dishwashing in the morning or after 6 p.m. The same applies for other large appliances.

The heat and smoke won't keep construction workers expanding Lodi Memorial Hospital from working, even at 110 degrees, according to Nick Layton, a carpenter for HMH builders.

However, the hospital may excuse workers if the weather becomes oppressive since construction is ahead of schedule, said Lodi Memorial spokeswoman Carol Farron.

Layton said that HMH officials make sure their workers do not become overheated. Two covered tents provide workers with welcome shade and ice water.

"If you go on the roof, tell someone you're up there," Layton said.

That is to prevent someone from passing out on the roof with anybody knowing it, he added.

Contact reporter Ross Farrow at rossf@lodinews.com.

What have you been doing to stay healthy with the high temperatures and poor air quality?

Tiffany Hall
Lodi
Mother

"I'm staying inside with the air conditioner, drinking lots of water."

Barbara Johnson
Acampo
Housewife

"Drink a lot of water, stay inside and leave town."

Lamont Bohoman
Lodi
Unemployed

"I just stay in the shade and mind my own business. I also try to stay organic too."

Farrah Amin
Lodi
Unemployed

"I'm eating lots of fruits and drinking lots of water."

Tim Greenmyer
Lodi

"I stay in the shade and drink a lot of iced tea. I drink lots of water."