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SoCal could feel more like Florida this week — yuck. Stay safe out there
A woman at Echo Park Lake shades herself with an umbrella last week. You might need one of those yourself — for shade and light rain this week.
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Justin Sullivan
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Getty Images
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The heat is piling on Southern California this week, with temperatures rising to potentially dangerous levels over the next few days.
The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for much of the region that will be in effect from Tuesday at 10 a.m. to Thursday at 8 p.m. Forecasters expect temperatures to peak on Wednesday.
L.A. County: Interior valleys and mountains could see temperatures in the triple digits, with some places approaching 110 degrees. Inland coastal areas, including downtown L.A., are expected to hover in the upper 90s. Beaches will be mostly in the upper 80s but could hit 90 degrees.
Orange County: Inland areas will be mostly in the 90s, but could reach 100 degrees in places. O.C. beaches are expected to stay a bit cooler, around 80 degrees.
The Inland Empire: Much of Riverside County and San Bernardino County are likely to be over 100 degrees, with some areas reaching 110.
The Coachella Valley: Not technically under a heat warning, but highs approaching 115 degrees are expected in the desert.
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The elevated temperatures are expected to pose a high risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for people over 65, young children and other sensitive populations. People who work outdoors or do not have air conditioning are also particularly at risk.
“The biggest concern is heat exhaustion or even heat stroke,” said Devin Black, meteorologist with the NWS office in Oxnard. “Best course of action is: try to stay hydrated and stay indoors as much as possible. If you have to go outside, limit your activity.”
The heat wave is also expected to exacerbate the risk of wildfires, with fire danger likely highest late in the day on Wednesday.
It also comes on the heels of a hot, muggy weekend. A heat advisory from the National Weather Service remained in place Monday after almost a week and will stay in effect until the extreme heat warning kicks in Tuesday morning.
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.
The humidity factor
There’s one other reason this week is going to feel hotter, and sweatier, than usual: the humidity.
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Southern Californians got a taste of it this weekend, especially if you spent time outside. The muggy air came with overcast skies and a sprinkling of rain in places.
But forecasters say the humidity will also cause the heat to build progressively throughout the week — and that it will keep temperatures warm overnight, providing little respite from the heat of the day.
Much of the recent heat has been driven by a high pressure system that has settled over the southwestern U.S. High pressure systems trap warm air beneath them and compress the air, warming it further.
At the same time, the system is currently centered to the northeast of Southern California, and as it rotates clockwise, it draws tropical moisture northward from Mexico, increasing humidity.
This monsoonal moisture is not unusual for this time of year. It's the humidity, combined with other factors — including the high pressure system, warm offshore winds and a reduced marine layer — that are driving this week’s abnormally high temperatures, according to National Weather Service meteorologists.
There is relief at the end of this hot, humid tunnel. Forecasters expect temperatures to drop back into the 80s at the end of the week, but the humidity is likely to stick around through the weekend.
Need a place to get out of the heat?
You can find cooling centers via the following links:
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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