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One of the hottest weekends of the year (so far) is on tap for Southern California
A wave hits the breakwater in Venice on Tuesday. A hurricane in the Pacific is generating dangerously big waves and rip currents all along Southern California beaches.
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August arriving with the same weather as July
The coming days are going to feel a lot like the other heat waves that have hit the region repeatedly over the last month — hot and humid.
It looks like the first weekend of August is going to look a lot like most of the month of July: hot and humid.
But the coming heat wave may be especially intense.
Most of Southern California has faced repeated heat advisories over the last few weeks. Ahead of this weekend, though, the National Weather Service has issued more severe extreme heat warnings for almost the entire region. Those will be in effect from 10 a.m. Friday through Sunday evening.
Temperatures are expected to peak on Saturday, when forecasters say highs could get within one or two degrees of daily records.
Parts of the San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire will see highs well over 100 degrees. Intermediate areas between the coasts and the valleys, including downtown Los Angeles, will be mostly in the upper 80s to mid-90s. Coasts will be mostly in the 80s.
Humidity continues to add to the discomfort and make it harder to cool down at night.
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A confluence of weather patterns here at home and across the Pacific Ocean is funneling sticky air to Southern California.
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Forecasters say the highest humidity will be along the coast, as high ocean temperatures drive up the moisture in the air. Those areas could see some dense fog on Friday morning.
The combination of heat and humidity will pose a particularly high risk for people over 65, young children, people who work — or spend a lot of time — outside and those without access to air conditioning.
Officials are warning against leaving children and pets in unattended vehicles. Under such extreme heat, temperatures inside a car can reach lethal levels in a matter of minutes.
Making sense of heat forecasts
Southern Californians are no strangers to hot weather in the summer, but heat waves are getting hotter, longer and more frequent as the climate changes.
So you should know the words forecasters use to describe these weather events — and the risks they pose.
- Heat advisory: Advisories are issued when temperatures are expected to be hot enough to cause discomfort and potentially lead to heat-related illnesses, especially for more vulnerable populations like young children and the elderly.
- Extreme heat watch: Watches are essentially forecasts for upcoming periods of extreme heat. Forecasters say heat watches often cover wide areas and will be revised into more focused warnings and advisories as conditions become clearer over time. Watches are a good time to prepare for extreme heat.
- Extreme heat warning: Warnings are issued when heat levels are or will likely become extremely dangerous. Under extreme heat warnings, it's a good idea to avoid strenuous outdoor activity, stay hydrated and help loved ones and pets stay cool.
Fire weather
Despite the humidity, this weekend’s heat wave is also going to drive up the risk of wildfires.
Inland areas, where the humidity is lower than on the coast, will be most prone to fires. The high temperatures, combined with possible wind, mean any fires that start could have the potential to grow large.
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Wind gusts could get up to 45 mph in places, with the strongest expected along the 5 Freeway corridor near the Grapevine and in southwestern Santa Barbara County.
About 90% of California wildfires are sparked by people.
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Beachgoers beware
A National Weather Service high surf advisory is in place through Saturday afternoon for all Southern California beaches — from San Diego County through Santa Barbara County, including Catalina and Santa Barbara islands.
Large, breaking waves and strong rip currents are the biggest risk to beachgoers, with the most dangerous conditions on south-facing beaches. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large waves can cause injury, wash people off rocks and capsize small boats.
Forecasters recommend staying out of the water, if possible. If you do go swimming, stay near lifeguards, heed their advice and stay off of tidal rocks and jetties.
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Beach safety tips
Officials recommend checking surf conditions before heading to the beach.
If you do go in the water, stay near staffed lifeguard stations and listen to lifeguards' instructions. They're there for your safety.
It’s also a good idea to stay off of tidal rocks and jetties. Big waves can sneak up on you.
If you end up caught in a rip current while swimming, don't panic. Stay calm and float as much as possible to conserve energy. To escape the current, swim parallel to the beach, then at an angle toward the beach. Do not try to swim against the current. If you can’t reach the shore, call and wave for help.
The heatwave is also adding to the risk as it will likely drive more people to the beach, potentially putting them in harm's way.
Forecasters also issued a coastal flooding advisory that will be in effect through much of Saturday for the SoCal coastline and Channel Islands.
Flooding is likely around high tide. It could affect low-lying areas of beaches, walkways and parking lots, but significant damage to roads or structures is not expected.
The highest tides will likely be tonight, coinciding with the peak of a storm swell from Hurricane Genevieve, which has been whirling hundreds of miles off the coast of Mexico since it formed last week.
Genevieve, along with swells from other Pacific storms, are also responsible for the waves and rip currents.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
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