Heatwave boils over Southern California, prompting wildfire warning

LOS ANGELES – Southland residents were in for another scorching heatwave Thursday as a late-summer heat wave is expected to continue into the weekend, sending temperatures soaring and sparking fears of wildfires in some areas.

“All weather systems predict dangerously hot weather through the weekend and in some areas through next week,” the National Weather Service reports.

The weather forecast says the heatwave “is coinciding with the extreme heatwave of 2020, so while we won’t break many records with this event, it doesn’t diminish the impact or reduce the precautions you need to take to stay safe. Don’t go hiking or doing any other physical activity unless it’s very early in the morning, and even then, exercise extra caution and stay hydrated.”

The combination of high temperatures and predicted low humidity levels has prompted the National Warrant Service (NWS) to issue an elevated fire risk warning for the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area, San Gabriel Mountains, Western Antelope Valley foothills and the 5 and 14 freeway corridors through 10 p.m. Saturday.

Forecasters said wind conditions would “limit the likelihood of classic red flag criteria” but that “there has been a history of large fires with similar weather conditions at this time of year.”

Humidity levels could drop to 8 to 15 percent in red-flag areas, with a slight recovery during the overnight hours, according to the NWS. Meanwhile, temperatures will soar into triple digits.

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 will begin Saturday, which will cause temperatures to slowly drop over the next few days. Normal levels will be reached on 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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