California Central Valley faces record heat, prompting paramedic alerts and nonprofit cooling stations

Temperatures across California's Central Valley have surged into the triple‑digit range, prompting paramedics in Fresno to warn residents about heat‑related illness. Jessica Bernal, Basic Life Support Operations Manager for American Ambulance, said calls for heat exhaustion and heat stroke climb sharply in summer, and advised staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, using shade, and monitoring vulnerable groups such as children and seniors.

In Imperial County, a coalition of local nonprofits—named the POWER Coalition—has mobilised to provide emergency hydration stations in El Centro, Brawley and Calipatria. The coalition distributes bottled water, cooling materials and safety guidance to both unhoused individuals and residents in homes lacking adequate cooling, aiming to expand the network as heat waves continue throughout the summer.