Southern California Heat Wave Keeps Los Angeles Hot This Weekend as Millions Look for a Break From Extreme Heat
Southern California frequently enjoys lovely summer skies, but a stubborn dome of high pressure is sending temperatures to dangerous levels over the Southland. Southern Californians are looking for practical methods to combat the heat and stay safe during a prolonged heat wave gripping the region this weekend. Hazardous conditions are being generated by intense afternoon temperatures from coastal communities to far inland valleys and weather forecasts expect it to continue at least until Monday evening.
Extreme Heat Risks in Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County’s health officials are warning people about the hazards of extreme heat this afternoon as temperatures surged well beyond seasonal averages. High humidity and warm air are preventing temperatures from decreasing much overnight, leaving human bodies with very little time to recover between blazing days. People who lack air conditioning and stay inside over prolonged periods of high temperatures can become dehydrated, suffer from heat exhaustion or even heat stroke, public health officials say. This prolonged weather advisory represents a serious danger to outdoor workers, the elderly, young children and animals.
Southern California could be under severe heat wave through Monday
“This weather system is really pounding the inland portions of the San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley, Santa Clarita Valley and Inland Empire, with afternoon highs from 100 to 108 degrees. Even coastal cities that often enjoy cooling breezes off the sea are feeling the record-breaking heat, with temperatures in the mid 80s to low 90s. Meteorologists cautioned anyone seeking relief in the region’s ocean waters to be cautious as heavy southerly swells are creating dangerous rip currents along south-facing beaches.
Hurricane Fausto Peaks in Pacific as Tropical Storm Genevieve Strengthens Toward Major StormInland Communities High Fire Danger
Inland areas will face an increased fire hazard due to a combination of scorching temperatures, low relative humidity and dry summer vegetation. Local fire authorities are encouraging residents to avoid outdoor activities such as running lawn equipment during the hottest part of the day or burning trash that could accidently start a wildfire. Home safety in extremely dry brush conditions is crucial to be prepared with emergency supplies and be updated by official weather advisories.
Relief to be offered through Cooling Centres, Local Pools
City and county leaders around Southern California have opened cooling centres, public splash pads and indoor swimming pools to accommodate residents without reliable home air conditioning. Officials are urging people to reduce strenuous activity outdoors to early mornings, drink plenty of water and check in on neighbours or family members who live alone. These basic preventative efforts will go a long way to protecting community health when ocean air slowly creeps into the neighbourhood over the coming week.
Sources
- CBS News: The National Weather Service extended heat alerts through Monday with inland temperatures soaring beyond 105 degrees.
- Santa Monica Daily Press: The Antelope Valley was under an Extreme Heat Warning with forecasts of highs between 100 and 108 degrees.
- LAist: Dry vegetation, high heat and low humidity levels keep inland areas at high risk for wildfires.
- National Weather Service: High surf and hazardous rip currents are occurring along south-facing beaches from several southerly ocean surges.
- KTLA News: Southern California communities turn to public cooling centres and neighbourhood pools for comfort from the searing heat.
