We all know how uncomfortable the heat is and the damage it can cause, but there are also some benefits to this heat. Some businesses get a boost in sales. Also, produce like figs and grapes get sweeter when the temperatures rise.
Five small fires on McKinley between Bryan and Chateau Fresno are believed to be arson. They kept firefighters hopping Friday afternoon under extreme conditions.
“It's taxing for us as firefighters, as far as the heat goes, but especially when it's breezy on an afternoon when it's going to be 110, it increases fire intensity,” said Randy Reitz, a captain with Fresno Fire Department.
The heat makes their jobs more difficult, but hot weather isn't all bad across the board, just ask the folks who rent out tents and misters.
At the set up for the ninth annual Fig Fest at Fresno State, A-1 Party Rentals reports a sell out this weekend for misters and fans. The subject of the festival, figs, actually thrive in the heat. A Manchester Farmer's Market vendor explains.
“On our mission figs that we have, and on our grapes, the hotter it is, it gives them more sugar and more color, which gets them riper and gives them a better flavor too,” said Tania Ferrer, who grows and sells produce.
Exercise is not recommended on hot days, but heat is actually helpful for one kind of workout: hot yoga. The yoga room is 105-110 degrees.
“The muscles are more warmed up, so it's that much more effective. Students can go deeper, safer, for longer,” said Amy Pittelkau, owner of Blue Moon Yoga.
The yoga studio saves money on the heating bill in the summer. Meanwhile, everyone running their air conditioning is asked to conserve energy. PG&E is bracing for outages this weekend.
“We've actually increased staffing in Fresno. Right now we have more crews on standby in Fresno than any part of the state because of the possibility of heat related outages,” said Denny Boyles, PG&E spokesperson.
PG&E has nine extra crews to deal with outages. They expect the weekend to be the worst between noon and 6pm.
