Dangerous heat intensified across Southern California Tuesday as temperatures continued climbing toward their highest levels of the year, and forecasters warned that widespread triple-digit conditions will grip much of the region through Thursday.
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An extreme heat warning took effect at 10 a.m. Tuesday for much of Los Angeles County and will remain in place through 8 p.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
The warning covers the valleys, mountains and inland portions of the coastal plain, where temperatures are expected to range from the 90s to as high as 110 degrees during the peak of the heat event Wednesday and Thursday.
A heat advisory will remain in effect through Thursday evening for coastal areas, including Los Angeles County beaches and the Palos Verdes Hills, where temperatures could still climb well into the 80s and 90s, forecasters said.
An extreme heat warning will also be in place for inland Orange County areas from 10 a.m. Wednesday to 8 p.m. Thursday, with a heat advisory in place during the same time frame for Orange County coastal areas.
“Most areas will see 3 to 6 degrees of warming (Tuesday) with the exceptions of the Antelope Valley, which will likely see 8 to 10 degrees of warming, and the Central Coast, where a stronger sea breeze will bring a little cooling,” according to the NWS. “Wednesday will be the warmest day with another 3 to 6 degrees of warming on tap for the entire area. This warming will bring 100- to 110-degree heat to the valleys, lower mountain elevations and the far interior on Wednesday. The increase in onshore flow will bring some cooling on Thursday, but not enough to eliminate the heat risk.”
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Forecasters warned that lingering monsoonal moisture will boost humidity levels and make conditions feel even more uncomfortable. That moisture could also lead to rain, with forecasters saying there will be a 20% to 40% chance of showers or thunderstorms in the mountains and Antelope Valley.
A fire weather watch will be in place from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning in eastern Los Angeles County, primarily along the 5 Freeway corridor thanks to hot and windy conditions.
Overnight temperatures will offer little relief, with lows Tuesday night and Wednesday night expected to remain in the lower 70s in many communities, increasing the risk of heat-related illness.
Temperatures are expected to gradually ease heading into the weekend as onshore flow strengthens and cloud cover increases, although conditions are expected to remain above normal through at least Friday, forecasters said.
Authorities urged residents to drink plenty of water, limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, seek air-conditioned shelter when possible and check on elderly relatives, neighbors and others vulnerable to heat illness.
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