A high-pressure system blanketing much of the southwestern United States was driving up temperatures across the Southland Saturday, with triple-digit temperatures anticipated in some areas through the weekend.
“Expect temperatures ranging from 102 to 108 degrees across the Antelope Valley, from 90 to 100 for the interior valleys, and in the mid 80s to mid 90s for inland coastal plains,” the National Weather Service said. “Only the beaches will see temperatures in the 70s, with upper 60s possible along the Central Coast.”
The NWS issued a heat advisory that will be in effect through at least 8 p.m. Sunday for the Santa Clarita, San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys, where forecasters said some temperatures will likely hit triple-digits.
An excessive heat watch will be in place through Sunday evening across the Antelope Valley and the San Gabriel Mountains, along with the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway corridor.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” forecasters advised.
First responders already rescued one man who suffered dehydration while hiking Saturday in the Pacific Palisades, and authorities were warning people to stay out of the sun if possible and to use caution when exerting themselves.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a heat advisory for the valley areas for Saturday and Sunday.
“On hot days, it’s important for everyone to both take care of themselves and check on others, especially those who have a higher chance of getting ill due to the heat. Some of them include children, the elderly, those with health conditions, pregnant people, those living alone, and pets,” Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer, said in a statement. “Hot days can be dangerous for anyone, so it’s crucial to stay cool and hydrated.
“Never leave children, the elderly, or pets alone in hot homes, places, or vehicles,” Davis added.
The city and county of Los Angeles both operate cooling centers for people who need a place to escape the heat. To find a location, visit ready.lacounty.gov/heat/ or call 211.
Saturday’s highs was 102 in Lancaster, 99 in Northridge, 93 in Pasadena and 88 in downtown Los Angeles. It was slightly cooler in Orange County, where Anaheim say a high of 89, while Irvine and Santa Ana reached 83.
Forecasters also called for a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms across L.A. County after midnight Saturday, thanks to moisture from the remnants of Tropical Storm Alberto.
“Even if no showers develop, the additional moisture will increase humidities and slightly moderate temperatures, dampening daytime highs and raising overnight lows,” according to the NWS. “This will further intensify the impacts of the high temperatures both during the day and overnight. Heat related preparations and precautions are advised for this weekend.”
Meanwhile, the South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smog advisory through 7 p.m. Tuesday, covering most non-coastal areas of Los Angeles County and stretching into much of Riverside County. AQMD officials said the extreme heat will likely lead to unhealthy or worse air quality conditions in much of the area.
The AQMD urged residents to check air quality levels and limit outdoor activities, limit the use of gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment until evening hours and conserve electricity.