A persistent heat wave continued Monday across Southern California, with peak temperatures expected to reach triple digits in the valleys and some mountain regions, and forecasters said more of the same is expected later this week.
“Dangerously hot temperatures are expected across the interior through at least today and possibly Tuesday as strong high pressure remains over the West Coast,” according to the National Weather Service. “Onshore flow and a shallow marine layer will keep areas near the coast much cooler, but still above normal. A slight cooling trend is expected through the middle of the week, however warmer temperatures are expected for the latter half of the week as the high pressure ridge returns.”
The hot, dry weather was creating wildfire danger across Southern California, with four brush fires burning in Riverside County and Los Angeles County officials keeping a close eye on the Angeles National Forest and other vulnerable sites.
Firefighters from Utah and Colorado have been called upon to help L.A. County officials with any potential brush fire response, the Angeles National Forest tweeted Sunday.
Forecasters said elevated fire weather conditions will continue through next weekend in the interior valleys, lower mountains and deserts, with brief critical fire weather conditions across the Antelope Valley and foothills.
Temperatures reached 109 degrees in Palmdale and Lancaster on Sunday, 102 in Santa Clarita, 100 in Northridge, 97 in Van Nuys, 91 in Pasadena and 87 in downtown Los Angeles.
Excessive heat warnings will be in effect until at least 11 p.m. Monday in the San Gabriel Mountains and the Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys. Less serious heat advisories will be in effect for the same period in the San Gabriel and San Fernando valleys.
Temperatures were only expected to drop a couple degrees mid-week, but generally similar highs were forecast for later in the week, with next weekend’s highs possibly exceeding this weekend’s numbers, according to the NWS.
Cooling centers were open across Los Angeles for those with no access to air conditioning. Angelenos can find a nearby cooling spot using the city’s Cool Spots LA App at bit.ly/CoolSpotsLA. City emergency officials announced Sunday that hours at the centers were extended until 9 p.m. Monday.
Most centers are served by one or more LA Department of Transportation Dash and Metro bus lines. Details are available at emergency.lacity.gov.
Information on Los Angeles County cooling centers can be found at ready.lacounty.gov/cooling-centers-copy-copy/.
“Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities,” NWS forecasters warned. “Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.”
The high heat was expected to contribute to “elevated to brief critical fire conditions” in desert, mountain and interior valley areas. Those areas will see humidity levels in the 5% to 15% range. Winds are expected to be relatively light, but some higher gusts are possible in traditionally wind-prone areas.
Temperatures in Orange County were slightly better on Sunday, reaching the upper 80s and low 90s inland.
As a result of the Riverside County fires, the South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory that was later extended through at least noon Monday.
AQMD officials urged people to limit exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed, avoiding strenuous physical activity, using air conditions rather than swamp coolers or fans that bring in outside air, avoiding burning wood in fireplaces and fire pits, and wearing respirator masks while outdoors.
Meanwhile, many Southland beaches remain mired in morning low clouds and fog, with daytime temperatures in the upper 70s and 80s.