Record-setting heat wave grips Southern California: What to expect

LOS ANGELES - A record-setting heat wave moved into Southern California Monday, bringing with it record-breaking temperatures in some areas before a cool-down is expected.

"High pressure building over the region will bring hot weather to areas away from the coast through Wednesday," according to the National Weather Service. "The hottest temperatures will occur today (Monday) and Tuesday, when near record heat will develop."

Forecasters said valley areas and lower mountain elevations will see triple-digit heat, with highs reaching about 10 degrees above normal.

An Excessive Heat Warning will be in effect until 8 p.m. Tuesday in the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys, where temperatures could reach as high as 109 degrees, with overnight lows falling only into the 70s or 80s.

In Excessive Heat Watch is in effect in San Bernardino and Riverside counties through 8 p.m. Wednesday with triple-digit temperatures expected through Wednesday.

A Heat Advisory also remains in place for the inland areas of Orange County through 8 p.m. Wednesday,  which includes the cities of Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, and Garden Grove. 
 

A less severe heat advisory will be in place until 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Santa Clarita Valley, Palos Verdes Hills, coastal areas reaching into downtown Los Angeles, the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, San Gabriel Mountains and the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway corridor.

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Temperatures in those areas could reach 105 degrees, with overnight cooling into the 60s and 70s.

Forecasters noted that far-inland areas were not expected to be quite as warm, because they will not have the heating effect of the offshore flow driving up temperatures in other areas.

Temperatures reached 102 degrees in Van Nuys on Sunday, while Lancaster reached 101 and Santa Clarita hit an even 100.

Downtown Los Angeles reached 93 degrees Sunday, and was expected to reach 94 on Monday.

Significant cooling is likely later in the week, forecasters said.

"The city is preparing resources to help Angelenos stay safe during the heat expected this week," Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass posted Sunday on social media. "Augmented cooling centers will open from 10am-9pm Monday and Tuesday. Reminder: our 73 @LAPublicLibrary's are designated cooling centers."

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Bass announced six cooling centers would be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at the following locations:

• Lake View Terrace Recreation Center, 11075 Foothill Blvd.;
• Mid Valley Senior Center, 8825 Kester Ave.;
• Sherman Oaks East Valley Adult Center, 5056 Van Nuys Blvd.;
• Lincoln Heights Senior Center, 2323 Workman St.;
• Fred Roberts Recreation Center, 4700 Honduras St.; and
• Jim Gilliam Recreation Center, 4000 S. La Brea Ave.

Angelenos may find respite from the heat at all Recreation and Parks facilities and library branches during their normal business hours, Bass said. 

For location and hours, visit laparks.org/reccenter and lapl.org/branches.

Climate stations were already open and running in Skid Row as free, designated areas for residents there to stay cool. Urban Alchemy staff will offer cold beverages, seating and activities, she said. They are on Towne Street (between Fifth and Sixth streets), across the street from the ReFresh Spot and San Pedro Street between Sixth and Seventh streets.

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Bass added that the Mayor's Office of Public Safety is working to coordinate with the Emergency Management Department, Los Angeles police and fire departments, Recreation and Parks, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and other city Departments to ensure all departments are ready to respond to the heat wave.

The NWS advised people to drink plenty of fluids, stay indoors if possible in an air-conditioned room, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Children and pets should never be left inside vehicles without air conditioning for any length of time, as death could occur in minutes when temperatures are this high.

FOX 11's Digital Team contributed to this report.