I thought the temperature would decrease along the shore,

but as I drive from Oakland to Hercules, California,

two weeks shy of summer’s end, the outside temperature

gauge on my dashboard rose from 82˚ to 104˚.

Perhaps the temperature would decrease along the Bay Trail.

There must be a breeze blowing off the water,

but when I parked at the Waterfront, my gauge read 102˚.

This is how it happens. These are the facts.

You underestimate the temperature and your body’s response.

You ignore the warnings against walking in extreme temperatures.

You ignore your medication’s warnings against prolonged sunlight exposure.

You exit your car and leave your water bottle in the center console.

The sidewalks are void of people who had heeded the warnings.

The light reflected off the white hot concrete almost blinds you.

The Rodeo-Hercules Fire Department responded

to a medical emergency at the Waterfront at three this afternoon.

A pedestrian found a person on the Bay Trail

and called paramedics. They attempted to revive the victim,

who was rushed to John Muir Hospital and pronounced dead.

No word yet from the County Coroner about the cause of death,

but local residents reported temperatures over 100˚.