As another round of dangerous high surf developed along the coast, temperatures continued dropping Wednesday, but forecasters warned a moderate heat wave will roll into the Southland this weekend.
After days of intense heat, the coastal areas of Southern California were almost socked in Wednesday morning with fog and low clouds.
The excessive heat warning that had been in force in the San Gabriel Mountains, the Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys, and inland Orange County County expired Tuesday, as did red flag warnings signifying a high risk of wildfire.
A record high for a June 21 was set Tuesday in Sandberg — 98, overtaking the record of 96 set in 1961 — and the National Weather Service warned that the region is not done with high heat.
Wednesday’s temperature highs are expected to be in the 70s along the coast, 80s inland and some valleys in the 90s, although areas of the Antelope Valley will exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, according to an NWS statement.
“Another heat wave will be possible this weekend into early next week, when we could see another round of widespread triple digit temperatures across interior sections,” it said.
Along the L.A County coast, a beach hazards statement — one notch less serious than a high surf advisory — will be in force through Thursday afternoon.
The NWS forecast surf of 3 to 6 feet, along with strong rip currents capable of pulling swimmers and surfers out to sea and sneaker waves capable of washing people off rocks and jetties. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore until able to break free.
The NWS forecast partly cloudy skies Wednesday and highs of 72 in Avalon; 75 at LAX; 81 in Long Beach; 83 in Downtown L.A.; 85 on Mount Wilson; 86 in San Gabriel; 87 in Burbank; 90 in Pasadena; 94 in Woodland Hills; 96 in Saugus; 101 in Palmdale; an 102 in Lancaster.
Sunny skies were forecast in Orange County, along with highs of 73 in Laguna Beach; 74 in Newport Beach; 75 in San Clemente; 83 in Anaheim; 84 in Fullerton and Mission Viejo; 85 in Irvine; and 86 in Yorba Linda.
Wednesday’s temperatures will be in the average or near-average range, said NWS meteorologist Andrew Rorke.
Temperatures are forecast to climb a few degrees Friday, then back into the 100s in the Santa Clarita Valley and San Fernando valleys on Saturday and in parts of the San Gabriel Valley on Sunday.
—City News Service