Southern California residents can expect slight relief from the heat Thursday after the region endured its hottest day of the year Wednesday, although dangerously high temperatures will continue across inland areas through the evening hours.
An extreme heat warning will remain in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday for much of Los Angeles County, including the valleys, mountains and inland portions of the coastal plain, where temperatures are expected to remain in the upper 90s to around 105 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
A heat advisory will remain in place through Thursday evening for coastal areas, including Los Angeles County beaches and the Palos Verdes Hills, where temperatures are expected to reach the 80s and lower 90s.
An extreme heat warning will also remain in effect for inland Orange County areas until 8 p.m. Thursday, with a heat advisory in place during the same time frame for Orange County coastal areas.
“High temperatures will cool a few degrees on Thursday, then cool to around average for Friday into early next week,” according to the NWS.
Forecasters said temperatures are expected to return closer to seasonal norms Friday as stronger onshore flow develops across the region.
“A slight chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms will return Thursday, mostly for the mountains, and continue for each afternoon into next week,” according to the weather service.
Authorities continued to urge residents to drink plenty of water, limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, seek air-conditioned shelter when possible and check on elderly relatives, neighbors and others vulnerable to heat illness.
Forecasters also warned that a high-amplitude southerly swell of 4 to 5 feet is expected to arrive this weekend, bringing elevated surf and strong rip currents beginning Sunday and continuing into early next week. The highest surf is expected along south- and southwest-facing beaches.