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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.
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.
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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.
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 pets
- 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 people
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," the CDC recommends).
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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.
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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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