July has been one of the hottest months in the Antelope Valley on record, with record-setting temperatures reported in Lancaster and Palmdale by the National Weather Service Friday.
Lancaster set a record for highest number of consecutive days of 105 degrees or higher with 10 as of Thursday. The previous record of nine days with highs above 105 was set from June 17-25, 2017, Aug. 6-14, 2012 and Aug. 26 to Sept. 3, 1950. The streak of highs of 105 or higher set a record for July. The previous mark of seven days was set from July 20-26, 2006, and July 13-19, 2005.
Palmdale Airport had six consecutive days with high temperatures of 110 degrees or higher, setting a record for most consecutive days of temperatures above 110 at three. It was first set from Aug. 5-7, 1997.
Palmdale Airport also had the most days in a calendar month and most days in July with highs of 110 or higher with seven. The old record of five days was set in July 1961.
In Sandberg, the record for most consecutive days with highs of 95 or higher was set on Thursday with 10. The previous record was Aug. 25 to Sept. 3, 2017.
It was also a record for July, with six consecutive days of highs above 110 breaking the previous mark of five set from July 7-12, 2021, July 21-26, 2006 and July 26-31, 1995.
On Thursday, it was 111 in Palmdale, tying a record high for the day set in 2021. It was 101 in Sandberg, breaking the record high for the day of 98 set in 2021 and 1934.
On Wednesday, Lancaster and Palmdale narrowly missed extending their records of six consecutive days over 110 degrees, as temperatures topped out around 108 degrees in the two high-desert cities, according to the National Weather Service.
An excessive heat warning is in place until 9 p.m. Saturday in the Antelope Valley, the Interstate 5 corridor, western San Gabriel Mountains and Highway 14 corridor.
Forecasters predicted some relief from the heat wave Friday, with more significant cooling beginning Saturday and continuing through next week, when temperatures will come down about 5-8 degrees in most areas.
The heat is also creating potential critical fire danger, with high temperatures and low humidity presenting the risk of fast-moving wildfires.
Pasadena temperatures will drop to 92 on Friday and 90 Saturday.
Downtown Los Angeles is expected to reach 88 degrees Friday before dropping to 86 Saturday.
In Orange County, Anaheim will reach 84 Friday, forecasters said.
As always, the beaches offered the best temperatures, with most coastal areas expected to remain in the mid-to-upper 70s.
Authorities reminded the public to never leave pets or children inside vehicles on days that are even a little warmer than normal, as locked cars can turn into death traps in mere seconds.
The city and county of Los Angeles both operate cooling centers for people who need a place to escape the heat. To find a location, visit ready.lacounty.gov/heat/ or call 211.
The city of Los Angeles is operating four “augmented” cooling centers that will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. through at least Thursday. The centers are located at:
— Fred Roberts Recreation Center, 4700 Honduras St., Los Angeles;
— Mid Valley Senior Center, 8825 Kester Ave., Panorama City;
— Lake View Terrace Recreation Center, 11075 Foothill Blvd.; and
— Jim Gilliam Recreation Center, 4000 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles.
City officials also noted that climate stations are available for the homeless on Skid Row, offering cold beverages, shade and seating. The stations are on Towne Street between Fifth and Sixth streets; and at San Pedro Street between Sixth and Seventh streets. Another station will be open by July 16 at Fifth and Maple streets.
The homeless can also visit the ReFresh Spot, 544 Towne Ave. The facility is open 24 hours a day, providing drinking water, restrooms, showers and laundry facilities.
“Although it’s crucial that we take care of ourselves, it’s equally important that we extend our hand to those in need. We must look out for those who are more likely to get ill due to the heat, including the elderly, unwell, pregnant women, children, and those living alone,” Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said.
“Hot days aren’t just uncomfortable — they can be dangerous. However, if we make sure to stay hydrated and keep cool, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones, friends, and neighbors. If you have an elderly or unwell family member or neighbor, check on them regularly to ensure they are safe and well,” Davis added.