Late summer heat wave reaches Southern California

LOS ANGELES – Temperatures rose across the Southland on Wednesday as a late-summer heat wave hit the region. The heat is expected to continue through the weekend.

“Models continue to predict a dangerous heat wave across Southern California and much of the West Coast through the weekend as a strong high-altitude system combines with very weak surface airflow,” the National Weather Service said.

Forecasters predict that “it will be very hot throughout the weekend, with the hottest temperatures on Friday and Saturday.”

Maximum temperatures are set to rise gradually each day this week. Even traditionally cooler areas along the coast will see temperatures 3 to 6 degrees above normal.

A heat warning went into effect Tuesday morning for the western San Fernando Valley and will remain in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday — a day longer than originally predicted. Forecasters say temperatures in the area could reach as high as 118 degrees.

An excessive heat warning was also in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday for the Santa Clarita Valley, interior coastal areas extending into downtown Los Angeles, the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area, Calabasas, the eastern San Fernando Valley, the San Gabriel Mountains, the San Gabriel Valley, the Antelope Valley and foothills of the Antelope Valley, and the 5 and 14 freeway corridors.

Forecasters predict that the temperature in these areas could reach 110 degrees.

Heat warnings are also in effect for the Santa Ana Mountains and foothills, as well as inland Orange County, with temperatures predicted to reach 40°C.

Even coastal areas won’t be immune to the heat. A heat warning will go into effect at 11 a.m. Thursday and will last through 8 p.m. Saturday for Malibu Coast and Los Angeles County beaches, as well as Palos Verdes Hills, with some of those areas expected to reach triple-digit temperatures, according to the NWS.

A less severe heat warning will be in effect for coastal areas of Orange County from 11 a.m. Thursday to 8 p.m. Friday, where temperatures are expected to reach as high as 95 degrees.

“The hottest days for this event are expected Friday and Saturday in most areas, with Friday having a slight edge over the peak day of the two,” according to the NWS. “Overnight lows will also warm up, especially in the foothills and lower mountain areas, where some areas could remain in the 90s Fahrenheit area much of the night. It’s not as hot at night on the coast and in the valleys, but even there, the warmer valley areas will see temperatures in the upper 80s Fahrenheit until late at night.”

According to the NWS, a cooldown is expected on Saturday, which will cause temperatures to slowly drop over the next few days and reach normal levels by Wednesday of next week.

Due to the high temperatures, the South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued an ozone warning that will be in effect until 8 p.m. Friday due to anticipated elevated smog levels due to the heat wave. Ozone levels are expected to reach harmful levels or worse in the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the San Gabriel Valley by Friday, according to the AQMD.

Authorities warned people to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, avoid the sun and check on relatives and neighbours.

Residents are advised to never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, where temperatures can reach lethal levels in minutes.

Hot, dry weather will also increase the risk of wildfires in mountains, valleys and deserts throughout the week. (CNS)

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