Hot and dry conditions continued to plague the Southland Wednesday as a heat wave rolled on, bringing critical fire weather conditions to the Los Angeles County mountains and Angeles National Forest.
Record highs for this date were set at Los Angeles International Airport and UCLA. The 94-degree high at Los Angeles International Airport broke the previous record of 88 set in 1947. UCLA’s high of 93 broke the previous record of 92 set in 1970.
The hottest spot in Los Angeles County Wednesday was the Antelope Valley, with highs of 102 in Palmdale and 101 in Lancaster. San Fernando Valley highs included 100 in Northridge and Woodland Hills, 99 in Chatsworth and 98 in Van Nuys.
Other Los Angeles County highs included 100 in Pomona, 98 in downtown Los Angeles and Pasadena, 95 at the Getty Center and Redondo Beach and 94 in Hawthorne and Torrance.
Record highs for this date were tied in Santa Ana and Newport Beach. The Santa Ana high of 97 tied the record set in 1950. Newport Beach’s high of 83 tied the record set in 1983.
Other Orange County highs included 99 in Yorba Linda, 96 in Lake Forest, 92 at John Wayne Airport and 91 in Laguna Beach.
A red flag warning signifying a high risk of wildfire will remain in force until 10 p.m. in the Los Angeles County mountains and Angeles National Forest.
A coastal hazard message, which is a little less serious than a high surf advisory, will go into effect Thursday as a result of a southeast-to-south swell generated by Hurricane John south of Cabo San Lucas.
“The combination of long period swell and high tides will bring a risk of minor coastal flooding to low lying areas, especially Friday evening when the highest surf and highest tides are expected. In addition, there will likely be strong frequent rip currents,” according to an National Weather Service statement. “Minor coastal flooding is possible over low-lying coastal areas such as beach parking lots and harbor walkways. No significant damage is expected. Dangerous rip currents and powerful breaking waves are likely.”
Surf of 6-9 feet is expected.