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Mercury soars as late-summer heat wave bakes Southland By City News Service
S
outhern California will continue to bake under sweltering conditions that are expected to stretch through the Labor Day weekend — with excessive heat warnings kicking in or continuing Wednesday for some areas. The protracted heat wave began pushing up temperatures Tuesday, marking the onset of an expected weeklong period of oppressive conditions. It's prompted calls for residents to take precautions against heat stroke and to conserve power whenever possible. The extreme heat and low humidity could create elevated fire weather conditions as well, NWS forecasters said. Temperatures rose a few degrees Monday and were spiking even more Tuesday — with more of the same in the forecast for Wednesday and beyond. "The abnormally long-
"The potential for Sunday and Monday being the hottest is still there, especially over the coasts and valleys." duration heat wave remains on target. Excessive heat warnings will go into effect on Wednesday for all areas inland of the beaches, and last through Monday," the National Weather Service said. The hot conditions are
The protracted heat wave began pushing up temperatures Tuesday, marking the onset of an expected weeklong period of oppressive conditions. | Photo courtesy of Rawpixel
expected to peak Wednesday and Thursday, with temperatures as much as 10 degrees higher on Wednesday than on Tuesday in some areas, the NWS said. After that, there will be only modest relief through the holiday weekend — if at all. "The potential for Sunday and Monday being the hottest is still there, especially over the coasts and valleys," according to the NWS. "Valley temperatures will approach all-time records." Forecasters said the heat will persist through Monday, with a high-pressure system finally weakening next Tuesday. But some valley areas will likely still have extreme heat into next week. In Orange County, an excessive heat warning took effect at 10 a.m. Tuesday and will continue through 8 p.m. Monday for coastal and inland areas and the Santa Ana Mountains and foothills.
Forecasters said OC beaches will be in the 80s, with inland areas hitting the 90s, and possibly up to 105 farther from the coast in cities such as Anaheim, Garden Grove, Irvine and Fullerton.
In Los Angeles County, the NWS issued an excessive heat warning that will be in effect from 11 a.m. Wednesday to 8 p.m. Monday for the Antelope Valley, Los Angeles County mountains, Santa Monica
Map of the heat wave that is creating heat warnings throughout LA County. | Chart courtesy of NWS Los Angeles.
Mountains, the coastal region and the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys. The Antelope Valley could see temperatures as high as 113 degrees during the heat wave, while other valley areas could hit 112 and the mountains and inland coastal areas could reach 105. "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors," the NWS urged. "Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances." Forecasters also urged residents to be aware of the signs of heat stroke and to take precautions. "Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside," according to the NWS. "When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and
symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location." Temperatures will be more manageable at the beaches, but will still climb into the upper 80s in Santa Monica beginning Wednesday. Long Beach will see highs in the upper 80s, rising to 89 and 91 next weekend. Overnight lows will not offer much relief either, staying in the 70s and even in the low 80s in some of the hotter areas. Meanwhile, the California Independent System Operator, which manages the state's power grid, noted that it has already issued a Restricted Maintenance Operations order that will take effect Wednesday and continue through next Tuesday -- limiting maintenance operations between noon and 10 p.m. each day to ensure all power systems remain in service. Cal-ISO warned that it may be issuing Flex Alerts, which are calls for voluntary power conservation during peak hours, generally between 4 and 9 p.m. Cooling centers for Los Angeles County can be found at https://ready.lacounty.gov/ heat/. Cooling centers for the city of Los Angeles can be found at https://emergency. lacity.org/la-responds/beatheat, or by calling 311.