Heat full of risks

When the mercury hits 100 — as it is expected to do later this week — most Mid-Valley residents will simply endure it.

But Paul Holck says he can't wait.

Holck, owner of H&S Automotive in East Marysville, cruises up and down the Feather River nearly every day after work on his personal watercraft.

His dog sits up front.

On Thursday or Friday, the peak of a mini-heat wave could bring record-breaking temperatures, according to the National Weather Service.

"We can't wait," says Holck, who plans to break out the smaller of his river-skiing vehicles for the first time this season, so he and Gus — a Chihuahua mix — can get doused with plenty of cold water.

Area rivers are running especially cold due to recent snow melt in the Sierra, "and

the water is running very quickly," said Meteorologist Holly Osborne from the agency's Sacramento office. Osborne said the hot weather entices more boaters and swimmers, and that the combination of these factors increases risks for hypothermia.

She cautioned water enthusiasts to be especially careful.

Holck's own recreational habits include safety precautions. Gus, his canine friend, "always wears his life vest," Holck said.

The record high temperature in Marysville for Thursday's date — May 15 — was set in 1972 at100 degrees. The record for Friday's date — May 16 — was set in 2006 at 98.

Average highs for those dates are 82-83 degrees, Osborne said.

In addition to the heat, gusty winds are expected to blow through the region from the North and Northeast.

Osborne advised area residents to wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and to drink plenty of water.

It's best to try and avoid physical exertion, she said, "but if you work outside, take breaks or at least be in the shade for a while."

If possible, Osborne said, 100-degree temperatures, "are good for going to the movies or an indoor shopping mall."

Night time lows on Thursday and Friday are expected to be in the lower-to-mid-60s.

Contact Appeal-Democrat reporter Nancy Pasternack at 749-4712 or at npasternack@appealdemocrat.com