WALNUT CREEK, CA — Contra Costa County has activated its network of cooling centers and extended public pool hours as the first major heat wave of summer 2026 settles over the East Bay. Temperatures are expected to climb past 100 degrees in inland portions of the county through the weekend.
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for interior Contra Costa County effective Thursday through Sunday evening. Walnut Creek is forecast to reach 103°F on Friday and 105°F on Saturday, with overnight lows barely dipping below 70.
It’s the kind of sustained heat that hits seniors, outdoor workers, and households without air conditioning hardest.
Where to Cool Down in Walnut Creek
The Walnut Creek Library at 1644 N. Broadway — now operating 56 hours per week under expanded summer hours — serves as the city’s primary cooling location. The library is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Additional cooling options include:
- Clarke Memorial Swim Center at Heather Farm Park — Extended hours through Sunday. Recreational swim sessions available. Check walnutcreekca.gov for schedule.
- Larkey Park Swim Center — Open for recreational swimming with additional lifeguard staffing through the heat advisory.
- Heather Farm Community Center — Air-conditioned public space at 301 N. San Carlos Drive.
- Rossmoor Senior Community — Indoor cooling areas available for residents; non-resident seniors can access the Walnut Creek Senior Center.
Fire Danger Elevated Across the East Bay
The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District has moved to increased staffing and readiness. The move comes as triple-digit temperatures combine with low humidity and gusty afternoon winds.
The district has stationed additional engine crews in wildland-urban interface zones. Those include the Lime Ridge and Shell Ridge open spaces bordering Walnut Creek neighborhoods.
“When you get 105 degrees with single-digit humidity and wind, a spark becomes a fire in about thirty seconds,” said ConFire Battalion Chief Mark Davidson. “We’re asking everyone in the wildland interface to be extra careful this weekend. No barbecues in open spaces. No power tools near dry grass. If you see smoke, call it in early.”
The East Bay Regional Park District has issued a red flag warning for all open space areas in Contra Costa County. The warning covers the Diablo Foothills, Lime Ridge Open Space, and Shell Ridge. The district has prohibited grills and open flames in all regional parks through the weekend.
The same wind conditions fueling fire risk are also putting the power grid on alert.
PG&E Monitoring, Possible PSPS
Pacific Gas and Electric has notified approximately 8,400 customers in Contra Costa County. Those customers may face a Public Safety Power Shutoff if wind conditions deteriorate Saturday afternoon. The utility’s meteorology team is tracking a potential Diablo wind pattern that could push gusty, dry air through the Carquinez Strait and into the inland valleys.
Residents can check their PSPS status at pge.com/psps. PG&E recommends charging phones, portable batteries, and medical devices before Friday night as a precaution.
What Residents Should Do
- Drink water before you feel thirsty — dehydration accelerates in dry heat.
- Check on elderly neighbors, especially those without air conditioning.
- Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles — interior temperatures can reach 140°F within minutes.
- Limit outdoor activity between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- Keep pets indoors during peak heat; asphalt and concrete can burn paw pads.
- Know your zone for evacuation planning at cococws.us.
The Contra Costa Crisis Center operates a 24-hour information line at 211 for residents who need transportation to a cooling center or assistance with heat-related concerns.
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