Southern California Braces for Record Heat This Week

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A beautiful but hot Southern California landscape ahead of a record-breaking heat wave.

News Summary

Southern California is set for a significant heatwave this week, with temperatures soaring into the 90s and possibly hitting triple digits in certain areas. Meteorologists warn the most extreme heat days will be from Tuesday to Thursday, prompting an excessive heat watch across much of the region. Residents are advised to take precautions, especially in high-risk areas, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during peak hours. While the heat may bring dangerous conditions, milder weather is anticipated by Memorial Day as the current high-pressure system weakens.

Southern California Prepares for Record-Breaking Heat This Week

Los Angeles, CA – Southern California is bracing for a wave of summerlike heat this week, with inland temperatures anticipated to soared into the 90s and potentially reach triple digits in some areas of the San Fernando Valley. Meteorologists are forecasting a significant warm-up, particularly from Tuesday through Thursday, as a high-pressure system dominates the region.

High temperatures are expected to range between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit away from coastal areas, with certain locations perhaps setting new record highs. The most extreme heat days are projected to occur on Wednesday and Thursday, with areas like Woodland Hills and Canoga Park likely hitting the 100-degree mark. Palm Springs is set to be among the hottest spots, with highs forecasted to reach an eye-watering 105 degrees on Thursday.

In response to the severe heat conditions, an excessive heat watch has been issued for much of Southern California this week. Areas within L.A. County, particularly the San Fernando, San Gabriel, and Santa Clarita valleys, are expected to experience the highest temperatures. Coastal areas will also see warmer-than-usual weather, with Los Angeles International Airport likely reaching 78 degrees on Wednesday, potentially tying a record for that date. Long Beach Airport is forecasted to hit 87 degrees, which could also match a previous record high, while Santa Barbara could tie its historical high of 79 degrees.

Residents in regions at a higher risk for heat-related issues are urged to avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the peak hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This warning comes on the heels of several heat-related rescues that have taken place on hiking trails in Southern California this month. Notably, 15 rescues occurred in Orange County and nine in Riverside County on May 10 alone, including an incident in which a hiker in Los Angeles was airlifted due to heat exhaustion.

As of Monday afternoon, temperatures showed a significant increase, with Downtown Los Angeles recording 77 degrees, Woodland Hills reaching 88 degrees, and Palm Springs hitting 97 degrees by 2 p.m. Despite the dry conditions and localized winds, there has been no red flag warning issued for widespread fire danger. However, there are concerns primarily related to grass fires in dryer patches of terrain, as larger plants and trees remain green due to recent rainfall in the area.

The current high-pressure system contributing to this week’s heat wave is expected to weaken by Friday, leading to a return to more moderate temperatures in the 70s and low 80s for most of L.A. County. Although desert regions will continue to feel the heat over the weekend, most of Southern California can anticipate milder weather by Memorial Day.

Given the heat wave’s intensity, Kittell advises residents to endure the high temperatures as relief is anticipated soon. He stated that waiting it out if possible is the best approach before the cooler weather returns.