The Southland baked under some triple-digit temperatures for the second straight day Sunday, but some relief was on the horizon this week, forecasters said.
A heat advisory was in place until 8 p.m. Sunday across Los Angeles County and inland Orange County, according to the National Weather Service.
An excessive heat warming will be in place for much of the Southland Sunday as a high-pressure system blanketing much of the southwestern United States continues to push temperatures into the triple-digits, according to the National Weather Service.
“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 NWS said. “Only the beaches will see temperatures in the 70s, with upper 60s possible along the Central Coast.”
An excessive heat watch was 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.
On Sunday afternoon, the NWS said a strong thunderstorm would impact central Ventura and northern Los Angeles counties, with 50 mph gusts and possible pea-sized hail in the Gorman area until 3:30 p.m., where firefighters are battling the 15,690-acre Post Fire.
The agency also issued a flood warning for northwestern Los Angeles County until 9:30 p.m. Sunday, after Doppler radar indicated showers and thunderstorms producing heavy rain between 1 and 1.75 inches per hour.
Lancaster reached 104 degrees Sunday, and triple-digit highs were expected to remain there through at least Wednesday, according to the NWS. Santa Clarita hit 100 on Sunday, but was expected to drop to 93 by Wednesday.
Downtown Los Angeles saw a high of 89 degrees Sunday, which was expected to drop to 85 Monday and 83 by Wednesday. A similar pattern of gradually lower but still warm temperatures was expected throughout the region.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a heat advisory for the valley areas 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.
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.