The heat is on, but there are ways to fight it

Temperatures are expected to continue to rise in Orange County throughout the weekend, and people are trying to find ways to beat the heat.

Temperatures above 95 degrees are forecast in inland communities Saturday and Sunday — 5 to 15 degrees above normal for August, according to the National Weather Service.

Temperatures along the coast will reach the mid- to upper 80s, the weather service said.

The Orange County Health Care agency advised residents this week to take precautions to prevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke:

• Drink plenty of water, wear light and loose clothing and a hat and use sunscreen when exposed to the sun.

• Never leave children, elderly people or pets unattended in closed vehicles.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea and dizziness. If symptoms occur, immediately call for medical assistance, move to a shady area and use water to cool the body, the health agency said.

As the heat began to swell Friday afternoon, some people sought relief under shady umbrellas at local beaches. Others braved the sweltering Orange County fairgrounds in Costa Mesa on one of the last days of this year’s event.

Temperatures at the fair reached 90 degrees. Several visitors sought relief near the ice rink.

Geena Guerrido, 25, of Santa Ana pointed to the tan on her feet while she was waiting in line for fried zucchini.

“I’m usually OK with the heat,” she said. “I just don’t want to be covered in sweat.”