Record-Breaking Temps Hit LA As Heat Wave Peaks
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) – Near record-breaking heat is expected to continue roasting the Southland Saturday, bringing with it potentially life-threatening conditions.
An excessive heat warning that had been scheduled to expire at 9 p.m. has been extended until at least 11 p.m. Saturday for the Los Angeles County Mountains, Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area, Santa Clarita Valley, San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley, Antelope Valley and the Los Angeles coastal area, including downtown Los Angeles.
The mercury hit 98 degrees in downtown Los Angeles, a record for July 8.
Daytime temperatures in the Antelope Valley are expected to range from 102 to 112 degrees, with overnight lows dipping only into the 70s and 80s.
Elsewhere, highs in the 90s to 100 are forecast for inland Los Angeles County areas and in the mid-80s at the beaches. Lows will be in the 70s.
People flocked to local beaches to cool off. CBS2's Laurie Perez was down at a very busy Huntington Beach Saturday.
"Dangerous and potentially life-threatening heat is expected through (today), when high temperatures between 100 and 110 degrees are expected for many interior sections of southwest California," according to the National Weather Service.
The L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks is extending cooling center hours at some locations Saturday.
For a complete list of cooling centers and their hours, click here.
The weather service attributed the heat wave to a "strong upper-level high-pressure system centered over the desert southwest" which is expected to strengthen and expand westward through Saturday. There is a chance the heat wave will continue into Sunday, especially away from the coast, according to the NWS.
A variety of temperature records were tied or broken by mid-afternoon Friday. Woodland Hills reached a high of 109 degrees, breaking the record of 108 set for the date in 2006. Sandberg reached a record of 98 degrees, besting the mark set for the date in 1989. Downtown Los Angeles tied the 1954 record of 96 degrees, while Lancaster Fox Field tied the 1989 record of 110.
"Hot temperatures will create a dangerous situation in which there is an increased threat of heat-related illnesses. The extended heat wave will also bring elevated fire weather conditions through the weekend," according to the NWS.
NWS forecasters again warned area residents to protect themselves and their loved ones from the sweltering heat. People who work outdoors should confine strenuous activities to the early morning or evening hours, wear lightweight clothing, take frequent breaks, and drink plenty of water.
"Temperatures inside vehicles, even if the windows are partially open can quickly rise to life-threatening levels," the statement warned.
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