Good gourd! North Bay pumpkin patch visitors endure hot temps while fire danger increases
PETALUMA, Calif. (KGO) -- The Bay Area is sizzling this weekend under a heat advisory. Spiking temps are sending many of us searching for shade and hydration, while firefighters watch the weather with concerns about increased fire danger.
"We came for this. It's our family tradition. We're still in it," said Erica Schleimer.
It was the Schleimer family's annual trek to the Petaluma Pumpkin Patch on Saturday.
But good gourd! Is this really fall? It's hot.
"I don't know. It feels very hot. It's like 100 degrees. We had lots of lemonade. More than we should have," Schleimer said.
RELATED: Bay Area to endure 2-week warm spell as temperatures run 10 to 20 degrees above average
Cassidy Kennedy was greeting visitors with an umbrella, good vibes and a cool mist of water.
"I brought my mister bottle because it's supposed to be 96 today. I don't want anyone not to have a spooktacular time," Kennedy said.
Extra tents and shade structures were there to keep visitors and their pumpkins cool.
"We stay open until 10 o'clock at night. Once the heat of the day passes, we have a lot of people coming in for the evening," said Petaluma Pumpkin Patch Owner Jim Groverman.
By midday, temperatures were nearing 100 degrees in downtown Petaluma.
The Santa Rosa Fire Department is reminding the public on social media to take precautions during the heat advisory. Fire danger is also elevated, with lots of dry vegetation still out there.
"There's a ton of focus on El Niño and being prepared for the winter months, but right now it's still fall. We have no rain. The fire risk is on the increase right now. We urge our community to be vigilant," said Santa Rosa Fire Marshal Paul Lowenthal.
The Ridgeway Aquatic Center in Santa Rosa could be a happy place for lots of folks as temps sizzle this week.
"The pool is great. Even an experienced swimmer always gets that for 60 seconds of 'oh gosh it's too cold,' then your body adjusts. It's like you never want to get out," said swimmer Betsy Fischer.
Stay hydrated and cool out there.
