RESIDENTS FIND WAYS TO COOL OFF
CHICO » With consecutive days surpassing 100 degrees Fahrenheit, some Chico residents took refuge from the hot weekend with indoor shopping or outdoor recreation by local water sources.
The National Weather Service in Sacramento warned of a moderate to high heat risk with consecutive days with temperatures measuring in the triple digits through the next seven days.
In Chico, the Chico Mall was one place where shoppers flocked for some sales and air conditioning.
Masks were requested or required at many shops. Only one location, Victoria’s Secret, roped off a line to help guide customers and limit their entrance to the shop — the employee present declined to comment on the chain’s strategy. The recently-opened Planet Fitness also had some guests seeking exercise despite the heat.
To venture outdoors in the heat, others hurried to water sources.
Before noon Sunday, the One Mile Recreation Area at Bidwell Park was already filling up with visitors setting up towels and hammocks by the water and staying in the shade.
At the city’s south entrance, by 1 p.m. the often quiet Butte Creek Diversion Channel saw cars began to fill the road and more swimmers on its banks, as visitors sought out cold fresh water near Highway 99.
Near the north end of the city, access to the Pine Creek area by the Sacramento River was relatively quiet. However by 2 p.m., Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park areas further west quickly filled with vehicles as swimmers inflated rafts for the river and sunbathers staked out territory in the hot sun.
With the high temperatures staying consistent through the weekend, elevated fire weather concerns are also expected to continue Monday due to hot and dry conditions. Breezes in the afternoons and evenings also contribute to concern for fire risks into the coming week.