Southern California will get a break from its sweltering heat wave starting early next week, the National Weather Service said. But you can expect a sweltering weekend.
Parts of the region recorded daytime temperatures nearly 20 degrees warmer than normal for this time of year, said NWS meteorologist Chandler Price. In Riverside and San Bernadino, where temperatures reached 113 and 112 degrees, respectively, on Thursday, the normal high for early September is a relatively mild 96 degrees.
The heat wave was caused by generally high air pressure in the region, which was the result of global seasonal patterns rather than a direct trigger such as a nearby storm. The high pressure was quite persistent, Price said, which is why the heat wave lasted so long.
The lack of cooling at night also contributes to the great heat during the day, said NWS meteorologist Carol Smith.
“If it’s cooled at night, it helps start the day at cooler temperatures,” Smith said. “We just don’t see that.”
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Orange County’s high temperatures are usually tempered by cooler breezes from the coast. However, as they do every year in late August, the sea has warmed up. Inland Orange County, temperatures are expected to top 100 degrees by the end of this weekend, with little sign of wind let up.
Los Angeles will see similar conditions this weekend, with downtown expected to reach 90 degrees, while highs of 105 degrees are expected in the San Fernando Valley. Areas further inland have naturally felt the brunt of the heat this week, with several recording record highs. Indio set a new record this week at 110 degrees, one degree higher than the previous record set in 2020. Burbank hit a new record high of 113 degrees on Friday, meteorologist Carol Smith said, the fourth time since 1939.
Fortunately, there should be a significant cooling down in the coming week.
“There are signs of relief,” Price said. “By Wednesday, we will be back to normal temperatures for this time of year, based on a 30-year climate average.”
Until the heat subsides, there will still be a slightly increased risk of wildfires. Dry air and high heat create ideal conditions for fires to spread.
The weather service has issued several wildfire warnings in recent days, and the Line Fire, which broke out in Highland around 6:30 p.m. Thursday, later prompted evacuations and continued burning Friday. By Friday afternoon, it had spread to 1,180 acres.
The Orange County Fire Department remains staffed with regular personnel but is “on standby” in the event of a wildfire, said OCFA Captain Than Nguyen.
The biggest concern is to ensure that people in the region take the necessary precautions.
“We advise everyone to limit their outdoor activities and stay hydrated,” Nguyen said. “It seems simple, but often people don’t pay attention to staying hydrated and end up in a situation where they need help.”
Smith advised the public to also take care of their four-legged friends. Pets, just like their owners, need to stay hydrated and stay indoors as much as possible. Even daily walks on the sidewalk can burn the animals’ paws.
Price encourages people to take advantage of cooling centers in their libraries and community centers throughout Southern California.
“Look out for your neighbors, especially the more vulnerable people who may not have air conditioning at home or access to clean water,” Price said. “And look out for yourself, too.”
Maximum temperature forecast for Saturday, September 7:
Anaheim: 99
Long Beach: 96
Downtown Los Angeles: 99
San Fernando Valley: 108
Mission Viejo: 99
Ontario: 107
Pasadena: 110
San Bernardino: 109
Temecula: 105
Torrance: 92
Redlands: 107
Riverside: 109
Whittier: 105
Source: https://www.weather.gov/
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