The National Weather Service reported record high temperatures at LAX on Sunday, tying the record of 85 degrees set in 2006. Camarillo Airport, with a high of 84 degrees, tied a 2003 record.
Forecasters say the warming trend will continue over the next few days, with some parts of Southern California expected to see triple-digit temperatures.
More widely, temperatures are expected to stay in the mid-80's to the high 90's, in the valleys.
While no heat advisories have been issued, David Sweet, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said visitors to local beaches should take precautions, as a high surf advisory is in place for Ventura and Los Angeles Counties.
High surf advisory in effect for south facing beaches of LA/Ventura counties thru Thursday morning where breakers of 4-7 feet can be expected. Very strong/dangerous rip currents will bring an increased risk of ocean drowning. Stay off rocks and jetties. #LAWeather #cawx #Socal pic.twitter.com/gTAElmEjpP
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) July 18, 2022
"Especially [at] the south-facing beaches, we are expecting breakers of four to seven feet and very strong and dangerous rip currents," Sweet said. "That will make it rather hazardous get into the water."
The high surf advisory goes through Thursday morning, when temperatures are also expected to cool down, bringing morning low clouds and fog in the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys.
Another cause for concern: there's a chance of thunderstorms in the mountains and parts of L.A. County. Lightning strikes have been tied to some of the most destructive wildfires in recent years.
At 240 pm storms beginning to fire across the northern Ventura county mountains (near the Kern County line) and the eastern Antelope Valley. Potential for strong wind gusts, brief heavy downpours, and dangerous cloud to ground lightning. #LArain #LAWeather #cawx #Socal pic.twitter.com/ConqlHTuJB
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) July 18, 2022
Climate experts warn that lightning strikes may increase as global warming rises.
the massive European heat wave continues,the hottest place today will be northern france with temps up to 42C.
— Meteorologist George Johnson (@MEweathergeorge) July 18, 2022
la vague de chaleur européenne massive continue, l'endroit le plus chaud aujourd'hui sera le nord de la france avec des températures allant jusqu'à 42 ° C. pic.twitter.com/n2itF5WkJD
High temperatures in Southern California come as other parts of the U.S. and Europe are experiencing record high heat waves — including some of the warmest days in recorded history at their locations. [Note: for the Celsius conversion challenged, 42 is equivalent to nearly 108 degrees Fahrenheit.)
As National Public Radio reports:
The heat is part of a wave of dry, hot and sunny weather in Europe that has resulted in deaths and fueled explosive wildfires in countries such as Portugal, Spain, Greece and France, particularly in areas that were already experiencing drought conditions.
As hot temperatures continue this summer and beyond, was have tips on how to protect yourself and others:
Protect a pet from excessive heat
Protect a human from excessive heat
Check in frequently with family, friends, and neighbors. Offer assistance or rides to those who are sick or have limited access to transportation. And give extra attention to people most at risk, including:
