LA could hit 115 degrees this week. We have tips for staying safe

A heat wave is expected to develop this week, with temperatures potentially reaching 100 degrees in downtown L.A. and 115 degrees in the valleys and deserts, according to the National Weather Service.

Why now

The first two weeks of September are typically the hottest of the year. Cooler days should start to pop up around early October. In 2020, we experienced 120 degree temperatures in L.A. during the same time period.

Yes, this is fire weather

Fuels are cured and ready to burn, so lookout for fire starts. The heat lends itself to extreme fire behavior and can inhibit firefighting efforts.

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L.A. is gearing up for another round of extreme heat

Tuesday through at least Friday, September 3-6, the city of Los Angeles will have these locations open from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. for folks to stay cool:

• Lincoln Heights Senior Citizen Center
• Sunland Senior Citizen Center
• Mid Valley Senior Citizen Center
• Fred Roberts Recreation Center
• Jim Gilliam Recreation Center

Officials also point anyone seeking relief to other parks facilities and all 70+ LA City Public Library during regular hours. They said they're prepared to offer extended Sunday hours next weekend at regional library branches if the extreme heat continues.

Those locations that could see extended hours are:

• Central (Downtown)
• Arroyo Seco
• Expo Park
• Hollywood
• Mid-Valley
• North Hollywood
• Robertson
• San Pedro
• West LA
• West Valley.

Staying safe in the heat

• Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water or electrolyte-replacements
• Drink cool water, not extremely cold water (which can cause cramps)
• Avoid sweetened drinks, caffeine, and alcohol
  

Protect a pet from excessive heat

• Never leave a pet or animal in a garage
• Never leave a pet or animal in a vehicle
• Never leave a pet or animal in the sun
• Provide shade
• Provide clean drinking water
  

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:

• Elderly people (65 years and older)
• Infants
• Young children
• People with chronic medical conditions
• People with mental illness
• People taking certain medications (i.e.: "If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot," says the CDC)