Another heat wave began Saturday in the Southland and will continue through Wednesday, raising fears of heat-related illnesses and wildfires, according to forecasters.
The heat wave results from an upper-level high-pressure system combined with weakening onshore flow, the National Weather Service said, adding that triple-digit temperatures are expected across the Antelope Valley as well as in some other valley areas, the foothills and the San Gabriel Mountains at lower elevations.
The peak of the event will be Sunday through Tuesday — a period that could see Antelope Valley temperatures soar to 108 degrees while other areas experience highs between 100 and 105, the NWS said.
“The prolonged heat wave will likely result in an increased risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for the homeless, elderly, infants and anyone participating in outdoor activities,” an NWS statement warned. It urged residents to stay well-hydrated, wear lightweight clothing of light colors, stay indoors when temperatures are at their highest, and never leave people or pets in parked vehicles in hot weather, even for a short time.
The statement also warned of wildfires.
“The combination of hot temperatures, low humidity, and very dry fuels will bring an extended period of elevated fire danger to southwest California Saturday through Wednesday,” it said, adding that mountain areas and the foothills will be especially at risk, in part because of the presence of bone- dry vegetation.
Downtown Los Angeles hit a high of 84 degrees Saturday, but things were much warmer in the valleys, with highs of 93 in Burbank, 97 in Van Nuys, 100 in Palmdale and 102 in Lancaster.
Temperatures are expected to climb on Sunday and Monday. Woodland Hills, for example, hit 100 degrees Saturday and is forecast to reach 106 degrees on Sunday, 107 on Monday and 106 on Tuesday before dipping to 104 on Wednesday.