The oppressive heat wave currently hitting Southern California and the southwestern United States is expected to bring triple-digit temperatures to much of the region for at least the next few days.
Temperatures in downtown Los Angeles reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Thursday afternoon – the first time temperatures there have reached triple digits in two years – and are expected to stay just above 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday, said Joe Sirard, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.
In the western San Fernando Valley, temperatures had already reached 46 degrees on Thursday and were expected to be between 43 and 47 degrees on Friday, he said. In the San Gabriel Valley, temperatures of up to 41 degrees are expected on Thursday and up to 42 degrees on Friday.
“It’s a widespread, dangerous heat event,” Sirard said. “It’s significant in terms of the heat and the duration. We have overnight lows that will be very, very warm to even hot, so we’re expecting temperatures in the foothills to be above 90 degrees.”
It will be cooler but still pleasantly warm along the coast, with temperatures above 25 degrees on the beaches and just under 30 degrees a few miles inland, Sirard said. On Friday, it will be about 38 degrees in Long Beach and 27 degrees on the coast.
Southern California residents shouldn’t expect much relief until Tuesday, as highs are only expected to drop 2 to 3 degrees over the weekend. Temperatures of up to 46 degrees are expected in the valleys on Monday, and triple-digit temperatures are also expected inland near the coast.
Temperatures are expected to drop on Tuesday and Wednesday, reaching levels closer to normal in most areas.
Heat waves are not uncommon in September—in some parts of LA, it’s the warmest month of the year—but this recent event is notable for its intensity.
“We wouldn’t necessarily see such extreme heat in September, but it can happen,” Sirard said.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat warning for much of the greater Los Angeles area – including the inland coastal plain to the Santa Monica Mountains – until 8 p.m. Saturday. “Dangerously hot conditions” and temperatures between 35 and 43 degrees Celsius are expected.
The elderly, young people and those who spend time outdoors without air conditioning are at higher risk of heat-related illnesses. People should drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, avoid the sun and check on their neighbors and relatives.
Officials warn that small children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles, as temperatures inside the car could reach fatal levels within minutes.
A “Red Flag” warning is in effect for southern and mountainous parts of Santa Barbara County through Saturday, meaning the National Weather Service expects there is a high probability of dangerous fire weather conditions. People should avoid using items that could start a fire and prepare to evacuate if they live in high-risk areas.
Sirard warned against hiking during the extreme heat, saying the Santa Monica Mountains are particularly dangerous in this weather.
“The higher you go into the mountains and foothills, the hotter it is than the lower areas, if not hotter,” he said.
