A record-breaking March heat wave is on the way to Southern California next week, with temperatures soaring into the upper 90s and overnight lows expected to hover in the 60s, forecasters said Saturday.
A heat advisory was issued for most of the region from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, with an extreme heat watch in effect from Monday evening through Friday evening.
“With the ridge building overhead and the increase in offshore gradients, temperatures will be on a dramatic upswing through the period,” the National Weather Service said. “On Sunday, temperatures will climb into the 80s to lower 90s for most areas with the beaches in the mid to upper 70s. On Monday, temperatures will climb into the mid 80s to upper 90s then into upper 80s to 104 on Tuesday. At the same time, overnight lows will also exhibit a warming trend, especially across the coastal foothills. Depending on the strength of the offshore flow, temperatures on Monday and Tuesday could even be little bit warmer than currently forecast for areas west of the mountains.”
The Southland was enjoying a relatively comfortable weekend, with highs in the 70s at the beaches and the 80s in most other areas. Heat records were set on Friday, including a high of 92 degrees in downtown LA (the previous record for March 13 was 90 degrees in 2015), and LAX at 88 degrees (breaking the previous record of 86 degrees in 1994). More records for this time of year are expected to fall next week.
The incoming hot streak is expected to peak Tuesday and Wednesday.
“A large, long-lasting and dangerous heat wave — quite possibly one of the top heat wave events for the month of March, ever” is likely, forecasters said. “[A] long duration summer-like heat wave will lead to increased risk of heat illness, especially for vulnerable people such as the young and old and those without cooling systems.”
Maximum temperatures during next week’s heat wave could be 20 to 30 degrees above normal, forecasters said
Cal/OSHA urged employers to take precautions to protect workers as temperatures rise across the state.
“This is one of the first heat waves of the year, with temperatures rising above the seasonal average,” the agency said in a statement. “Employees may not yet be acclimatized to high heat and may need additional breaks and interventions when they adapt to the conditions. Cal/OSHA reminds employers to be vigilant, especially with newer employees, and ensure that employees have shade, water and rest breaks to prevent heat illness.”