With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Your SoCal weather report for Thursday, July 4: Red flag warning issued as fireworks, scorching temps and dry conditions create fire risk
High risk of wildfires tonight through Saturday.
(
Courtesy NWS
)
Quick Facts
-
- Today’s weather: Scorching, sunny
- Beaches: 70s
- Mountains: 80s-90s
- Deserts: 107-117
- Inland: 90-105
- Warnings and advisories: Excessive Heat. Heat advisory. Red Flag Warning.
Happy Independence Day. Remember to stay cool, check on your pets and loved ones, and celebrate responsibly as today's weather conditions have increased the risk for wildfires.
High desert temperatures will rise to 110 degrees, and up to 117 degrees for the low desert.
The valleys and inland areas will see highs in the upper 90s to low 100s — up to 105 in San Bernardino and western San Fernando Valley, 108 in Santa Clarita Valley and 100 in the San Gabriel Valley.
Support for LAist comes from
Orange County folks will be spared from scorching temperatures with highs mostly in the upper 80s for inland areas.
Coastal areas will continue to be the coolest — highs in the 70s along the beaches, mid 80s for the inland coast. Keep reading to learn about surf conditions at beaches.
Tonight's lows will drop to upper 60s, low 80s for low desert, and 70s for the high desert.
About those heat warnings
Weather forecasters have issued a red flag warning for today — they say the dry conditions and scorching temperatures mixed with fireworks popping off will increase the risk of wildfires.
The red flag warning applies to the 5 Freeway corridor, Antelope Valley foothills and Ventura County mountains through Saturday evening.
Support for LAist comes from
And if you're heading to the beaches in L.A. or Orange counties, look out for strong swells and high surf, with sets up to 7 feet tall expected, mainly for the south facing beaches.
L.A. County valleys, Inland Empire and deserts remain under excessive heat warning for the rest of the week. Areas that include downtown L.A., Irvine, and the Santa Ana foothills are under a heat advisory until Sunday night as temperatures will likely reach up to 105 degrees.
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)
This day in history
On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Things to do
Looking for last minute Independence day plans? We got you covered.
- 'Independence Day' with Rooftop Cinema Club: Getting up high is key to a 360-degree fireworks experience in L.A. so the Rooftop Cinema Club is a good choice for your best chance at seeing multiple shows. It creates the perfect backdrop for a screening of what else but the 1996 Will Smith action hit Independence Day. Doors for this 18+ event open at 6:40 p.m., so get there early to secure a seat; your ticket includes live music, food and a non-alcoholic drink.
Check out our full list of things to do this week.
Support for LAist comes from
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Tens of thousands of workers across Southern California walk out over pay and staffing issues. -
People in and around recent burn scars should be alert to the risk of debris flows. Typical October weather will be back later this week. -
Jet Propulsion Laboratory leadership says the cuts amount to 11% of the workforce. -
The rock legend joins LAist for a lookback on his career — and the next chapter of his music. -
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain. -
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember.
Best of LAist