The region’s heat wave will begin to dissipate gradually Friday as high surf pounds the coast, generating strong and dangerous rip currents and sneaker waves, National Weather Service forecasters said.
A high surf advisory will be in effect along the Los Angeles County Coast until 6 Friday night, and a heat advisory will be in force until 6 p.m. in inland Orange County.
“A southeasterly swell from Hurricane Linda will move across the coastal waters through Saturday. This will produce strong rip currents and the potential for sneaker waves inundating beaches and overtopping jetties,” said an NWS statement.
The elevated surf will be especially evident along south- and southeast- facing beaches in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, it said.
Temperatures, meanwhile, were expected to be a few degrees lower than Thursday, although several communities will see highs in the high 90s and low 100s, and normal weather will not return to the region until early next week, forecasters said.
The NWS forecast highs Friday of 95 in Yorba Linda, 97 in downtown L.A. and 100 in Woodland Hills.
With heat wave not yet over, forecasters warned that those at greatest risk of suffering heat-related ailments were infants, the elderly, the homeless, outdoor workers, people taking part in outdoor activities in the heat, and pets without access to shade.
They urged residents to drink plenty of water; wear light-colored and lightweight clothing; stay out of the midday sun; check on neighbors and the elderly to make sure they are not being overwhelmed by the heat; and never, ever leave children, the elderly, or pets in a vehicle parked in hot weather.
—City News Service