Fall Heat Wave Brings Triple-Digit Temperatures To Southland
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The Southland's latest heat wave peaked on Friday, with the mercury reaching into the triple-digits in several communities.
National Weather Service forecasters warned that the weather will create the risk of heat-related illnesses for residents of the region, especially the homeless, senior citizens, infants and people working or playing outdoors. Hot and dry conditions also created an "elevated fire danger," according to the NWS.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health declared a heat alert for the Los Angeles basin, Pomona and the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys. The alert is expected to remain in effect through at least tomorrow, although it could be extended if the hot weather persists.
By 1 p.m., the temperature in Long Beach had reached 102 degrees, tying a record for this day set in 1988, according to the weather service.
An NWS forecast indicated temperatures will drop Saturday -- generally three to five degrees -- and a few more degrees Sunday. Downtown Los Angeles, with a forecast high of 99 today, is expected to revert to the 80s by Tuesday, then continue cooling down. Woodland Hills, with a high forecast to be 105 today, will return to the 90s Sunday and to the 80s Thursday.
Orange County highs on Friday are expected to be 85 in San Clemente; 88 in Newport Beach; 91 in Laguna Beach; 97 in Irvine and Mission Viejo; 98 in Anaheim; 101 in Fullerton; and 102 in Yorba Linda.
The NWS issued a heat advisory throughout Orange County on Friday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. The advisory on Thursday night applied only to inland areas, but was extended to include Orange County beach communities as well. Also issued for Orange County was a beach hazard statement, which is less serious than a high surf advisory. It will be in force from late Friday through Saturday evening.
Forecasters urged residents to protect themselves and others from the high heat. The weather service's recommendations included drinking plenty of water, wearing light and light-colored clothing, providing shade to livestock and pets, checking on elderly friends and neighbors, and "never leave any person or pet in a parked vehicle, even for a short time."
Forecasters said the heat wave will begin to retreat Saturday, followed by a drop of five to 10 degrees Sunday.
Along the coast, meanwhile, a moderately long-period swell will bring dangerous rip currents and increased wave activity to local beaches this weekend," the NWS said.
"If you get caught in a rip current, try to conserve your energy and not swim against the current. Try to swim parallel to shore to get out of the current," it said.
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