Temperatures soared again toward the triple-digit mark again Tuesday across much of the Southland, threatening to topple more records amid a weeklong heat wave that has raised concerns about the possibility of heat-related illnesses.
While some heat records have already fallen, forecasters said the temperatures are expected to peak Wednesday through Friday, creating a “high risk for heat illnesses for just about everyone this week — especially locations away from the coast.”
National Weather Service forecasters have deemed the heat wave a “historic” event for mid-March, possibly delivering the region its hottest-ever winter weather.
“Not only will the the areas away from the coast warm up this week, but light offshore flow will allow the coasts to warm up as well,” according to the NWS. “Heat advisories and Extreme warnings are in place for the majority of areas (except the Antelope Valley and northern Ventura County mountains, which climatologically tend to be on the warmer side). High temperatures this week will climb into the mid 90s to low 100s (Tuesday) through Friday, with minimal day to day changes (20-35 degrees above normal).”
On Monday, temperatures reached into the 80s and mid-90s in many areas — roughly 15 to 30 degrees above normal for this time of year. A heat record was set Monday in Woodland Hills, where the temperature reached 97 degrees, topping the record for the date of 94 degrees, set in 2007, according to the NWS. Burbank reached 92 degrees, breaking the record of 91 degrees set in 2004.
An extreme heat warning took effect at 10 a.m. Tuesday across most of the Southland and will remain in place until 8 p.m. Friday, with forecasters warning of temperatures reaching as high as 104 in some areas.
A less severe heat advisory will be in place until 8 p.m. Friday in coastal areas, where temperatures could potentially reach between 85 and 95 degrees.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Monday urged residents to prepare for the high heat
“As a former nurse and a physician assistant, I know first-hand that this heat is something to treat extremely seriously, and I’m making sure the city is preparing accordingly,” Bass said in a statement. “Hundreds of city facilities, including libraries and recreation centers, are available for Angelenos who need to stay cool. Do not hesitate — get indoors and into air conditioning and protect yourself.”
According to the mayor’s office, all city libraries and recreation centers will be available as cooling centers this week. A full list of those locations is available at laparks.org/reccenter and lapl.org/branches. The city Department of Recreation and Parks also operates numerous public pools and splash pads, with information also available on the agency’s website.
Beginning Tuesday, extended hours of 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. will be offered at four Los Angeles city facilities for residents and their pets:
— Canoga Park Senior Citizens Center, 7326 Jordan Ave.;
— North Hollywood Senior Citizen Center, 5301 Tujunga Ave.;
— Pecan Recreation Center, 145 S. Pecan St., downtown Los Angeles; and
— Algin Sutton Recreation Center, 8800 S. Hoover St., South Los Angeles.
Los Angeles County also operates numerous cooling centers, including libraries, rec centers, pools and splash pads. Locations are available through an interactive map at ready.lacounty.gov/heat/.
“Extreme heat, as you know, is one of the most serious weather hazards that we face, and we’re seeing it more frequently each year,” Los Angeles County Supervisor and Board Chair Hilda Solis said during a Monday news conference.
“Regions such as the San Gabriel Valley and the San Fernando Valley will be especially impacted. It’s critical that we all take precautions to protect ourselves, our families, and our neighbors,” Solis added.
Cal/OSHA urged employers to take precautions to protect workers as temperatures rise across the state.
“This is one of the first heat waves of the year, with temperatures rising above the seasonal average,” the agency said in a statement. “Employees may not yet be acclimatized to high heat and may need additional breaks and interventions when they adapt to the conditions. Cal/OSHA reminds employers to be vigilant, especially with newer employees, and ensure that employees have shade, water and rest breaks to prevent heat illness.”
Forecasters said temperatures are expected to cool off next week, but they will still be about 5 to 15 degrees above normal.