Temperatures that could soar into the triple digits are possible over the weekend, prompting the National Weather Service to issue an excessive heat watch for the region.

The affected area includes the Sacramento Valley, northern San Joaquin Valley, Delta, and adjacent foothills and mountains. The excessive heat watch will be in effect from Saturday morning, Sept. 3 through Tuesday evening, Sept. 6. The predicted high heat could put a damper on plans for the long Labor Day holiday.

Dangerously hot conditions with temperatures up to 112 degrees are possible, according to National Weather Service forecasters.

Locally, the temperatures are predicted to start climbing into the triple digits by Thursday, Sept. 1 when the forecast calls for a high of 103 degrees. The same is predicted for Friday, with 104 possible on Saturday, up to 107 for Sunday and 110 for Monday. The long range forecast also includes a possible high of 108 degrees for Tuesday, Sept. 6 and another triple digit day on Wednesday, Sept. 7 before it drops down to just under 100 by Thursday, Sept. 8.

In Riverbank, the Police Department at 6727 Third and the Riverbank Library at 3442 Santa Fe are both listed by Stanislaus County as designated “cooling centers” and can be utilized by residents seeking respite from the heat. The police department is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., while regular library hours are Monday and Tuesday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Friday and Sunday. On Monday, Sept. 5, the Labor Day holiday observance will mean those locations will be closed.

For more information about the cooling centers, call the Riverbank Police at 209-869-7162 or the Riverbank Library at 209-869-7008.

Forecasters list the impacts of this heat event as being able to significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities over the holiday weekend.

Hottest days are forecast to occur Sunday and Monday. There will be limited overnight relief from the heat, with lows in the upper 60s to mid-80s, forecasters said.

“Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates on this situation. Be prepared to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the National Weather Service indicated in its advisory. “Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.”