A lengthy, humidity-packed heat wave is continuing to swelter across Southern California — and will bring triple-digit temperatures to the Inland Empire and high surf to the coast.
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Temperatures were expected to peak on Thursday, July 23.
Heat is no rarity for Southern California in July, one of the hottest times of the year, but the duration of this heat wave, the above-average humidity and the temperatures staying higher than usual at night set this spate of scorching temperatures apart from typical summer heat, meteorologists said.
The Inland Empire will see the hottest temperatures, particularly Thursday through Saturday.
And this heat wave is expected to linger, with temperatures remaining high for a good portion of next week, said Ryan Kittell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
“We’re not looking for any significant cooldown in the foreseeable future,” Kittell said.
Muggier-than-usual conditions “create higher heat impacts” — because the cooling from sweat is not present, said Kyle Wheeler, another meteorologist with the National Weather Service, making the heat feel more intense.
“Our temperatures aren’t really running too far above normal; it really is more of our humidity is decently higher than it typically would be in Southern California, and that’s sort of exacerbating these above-average temperatures,” he said.
Alongside above-average highs, low temperatures are also remaining above average.
“We’re not going to be seeing the typical overnight relief we might expect from hot temperatures during the daytime,” Wheeler said.
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Inland Empire
Most of this region will see temperatures in the low to mid 100s, Wheeler said.
“Typical hotter spots” including San Bernardino and Lake Elsinore could see temps exceeding 105.
Overnight temperatures will be in the low to mid 70s, “which once again just does not provide much relief,” Wheeler said.
Orange County
The highs along the coast will stay in the 80s, while inland areas can expect temperatures into the 90s.
In coastal areas, nighttime temperatures typically drop to the 60s during this time of year, but will be closer to 70 throughout much of this week, Wheeler said.
A “fresh southerly swell” is expected to move into the area Wednesday night, creating high surf from Thursday into the weekend, with waves cresting at six to eight feet, Wheeler said.
Los Angeles County
The San Fernando Valley will see temperatures in the high 90s, while coastal areas will be in the mid to high 80s.
Surf conditions will see waves in the four-to-six-foot range, with a few sets seven to eight feet on south-facing beaches, Kittell said.
“Definitely swim near a lifeguard,” Kittell said.
Thursday’s forecasted high temperatures:
- Fullerton: 92
- Long Beach: 86
- Downtown Los Angeles: 93
- San Fernando Valley: 99
- Mission Viejo: 91
- San Bernardino: 104
- Torrance: 86
- Redlands: 103
- Riverside: 101
- Whittier: 94
Source: National Weather Service