A major heat wave began in the Southland on Thursday, with temperatures expected to rise 25 degrees above normal, breaking records in Los Angeles and posing a high risk of heat-related illnesses.
A heat advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. Thursday to 8 p.m. Friday along the coast of Southern California, from San Diego County to San Luis Obispo County, with forecasters predicting temperatures of 90 to 100 degrees.
The unusual heat will continue into Friday, ease slightly over the weekend, then rise again next week, according to the National Weather Service.
The Weather Service warned that with the unprecedented length and strength of this heat wave, heat stress will increase daily, especially in areas unaccustomed to such heat, like coastal regions. They advised completing outdoor activities early or in the evening and not leaving people or pets in cars.
On Thursday, afternoon temperatures in Los Angeles are expected to be 15 to 25 degrees above normal, breaking more than a dozen records. Forecasters anticipate 95-degree heat in Pasadena, San Gabriel, and Burbank, exceeding single-day temperature records set in 2007.
Due to the lack of onshore wind flow, the heat is expected to linger for several days, with little relief from the hot temperatures along the coast.
Public Health officials issued a warning Wednesday urging people to avoid swimming at several beaches due to high bacteria levels. Signs of heat stroke or exhaustion, such as dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, confusion, or fainting, should prompt seeking medical help, they said.
The persistent heat will dry out vegetation and heighten the risk of fires, particularly in grassy areas following winter rains. While the current hot spell is not expected to bring widespread fire danger, continued warm, dry conditions could set the stage for an active fire season in the fall.
Next week is expected to bring another round of very hot weather, potentially breaking more records and raising the monthly temperature averages.
The hot conditions are not just a nuisance, but a serious health risk, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health warned, emphasizing the importance of staying cool and seeking medical attention if necessary.
[Terminology check: ‘Southland’ refers to Southern California; ‘heat wave’ denotes a prolonged period of excessively hot weather; ‘heat advisory’ is a public alert for elevated temperatures; ‘heat stress’ is the strain on the body due to high temperatures; ‘onshore wind flow’ refers to the movement of cooler air from the ocean toward the land; ‘heat stroke’ is a serious condition caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures; ‘fire weather’ conditions are conducive to wildfires; ‘fire season’ is the period when the risk of wildfires is highest; ‘coastal regions’ are areas near the coast; ‘inland’ refers to areas away from the coast; ‘vegetation’ refers to plants and trees; ‘public health officials’ are authorities responsible for protecting community health.]
