Deadly Heat Returning To Southern California

I’m sorry to say that the beautiful weather we’ve been enjoying is just about done for and everyone should brace themselves for what's to come.

Starting this Friday, Southern California will heat up until temperatures across the region reach the triple digits this weekend.

As such, the National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch – which may be upgrade to an Excessive Heat Warning – that'll be in place until at least Monday.

"This is an exceptionally dangerous event, especially considering the holiday weekend and the ongoing pandemic," wrote National Weather Service meteorologists in an area forecast discussion released Tuesday.

"Temperatures this high, and this widespread, are rarely ever seen in this area. All daytime outdoor activities should limited or canceled. Those without air conditioning should make preparations now to stay cool. Extreme stress on our power infrastructure may lead to power outages."

Woodland Hills could reach 115 degrees and Burbank 110. Even Downtown L.A. could experience temperatures in the low 100s, while beach towns could heat up to around 90 degrees, according to the NWS.

Just as concerning are the high nighttime temperatures which are expected to remain in the upper 70s and low 80s in some places, giving people little opportunity to cool down.

All of this extreme heat is a major public health threat.

While people living in places like the San Fernando Valley often have air conditioning to help them cope with heatwaves, there are plenty in L.A. who either don't need it often enough to justify the cost, or can't afford it, putting them in a potentially deadly situation this weekend.

A recent study from USC found that low income communities in South L.A. were particularly vulnerable to heatwaves. As is our large homeless population.

Those who need help could seek out cooling centers set up by the L.A. County Department of Public Health.

If you're worried about energy costs, there are a number of financial assistance programs available for low-income households.

The heat also brings with it an increased risk of wildfires.

The good news is that winds shouldn't be too strong and the threat of thunderstorms is much lower than a few weeks ago.

California's firefighting resources are no longer maxed out, but firefighters are recovering from grueling schedules and high heat.

So try don't start any fires this Labor Day weekend.

Our firefighters and the rest of us really need a break.

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