Isolated showers brought a smattering of rain to select areas Tuesday as the Southland braced for another heat wave that could create health risks for some residents and increase the fire danger.
National Weather Service forecasters noted that lingering monsoon moisture kept temperatures lower than expected Tuesday, but above-normal heat is expected for the rest of the week, “with the hottest days on Thursday and Friday.”
Valley areas could see temperatures reaching as high as 106 in the latter half of the week.
The heat — the result of high pressure strengthening over the region — “may result in an increase in heat-related illnesses, especially for the homeless, elderly, infants, outdoor workers and those participating in outdoor activities,” the NWS warned. “The extended period of hot and dry conditions will also bring elevated fire danger.”
Tuesday’s lingering cloud cover kept things relatively cool, and forecasters noted that “there have been some sprinkles that have managed to survive the fall through dry air and briefly wet the ground in a few places.” But no measurable rainfall had been reported.
Wednesday’s temperatures were expected to rise significantly, with less cloud cover expected by the afternoon. The NWS predicted highs Wednesday of 97 in Yorba Linda, 82 at Los Angeles International Airport, 91 in Long Beach, 99 in Pasadena and 105 in Woodland Hills.
By Thursday and Friday, “warmer valley highs (are) expected to reach around 106 while inland coastal areas like Downtown L.A. should reach the low to mid 90s,” according to the NWS.
A cooling trend is expected to begin Saturday and continue through the middle of next week.
Los Angeles County health officials declared a heat alert for Wednesday through at least Friday for the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and eastern San Gabriel valleys. County officials noted that cooling centers will be available throughout the county. A list is available online at www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.
No heat records are expected to be set in Los Angeles County during the heat wave, but there may be some in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, according to NWS forecasters.
Forecasters urged residents to protect themselves and their loved ones from the high heat. Residents should drink plenty of water, they said, and motorists must never leave children, the elderly or pets in closed cars parked in hot weather.
—City News Service