LA County under Excessive Heat Warning as record breaking temps hit SoCal
LOS ANGELES - Southern California continues to bake under sweltering conditions that are expected to stretch through the Labor Day weekend -- with excessive heat warnings in effect across the region.
California ISO issued a Flex Alert Wednesday, urging people to conserve as much energy as possible between the hours of 4 to 9 p.m. from Wednesday to Friday.
An excessive heart warning has been issued for the following Los Angeles County regions from Wednesday, August 31 to Monday, September 5:
- Los Angeles County mountains
- Downtown Los Angeles
- Los Angeles basin
- Santa Clarita Valley
- San Fernando Valley
- San Gabriel Valley
- Santa Monica Mountains
Record-breaking heat
Several cities hit triple-digit temps on Wednesday, many breaking heat records as well.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), Burbank reached 112 degrees, breaking the record for the date of 108 set in 2017. In fact, that temperature topped an all-time record for the month of August in Burbank. The previous high for the month was 111 degrees, set on Aug. 26, 1944.
Woodland Hills also reached 112 on Wednesday, breaking the Aug. 31 record of 111 set in 1998. Sandberg reached 100 degrees, besting the 2017 record of 98, while Lancaster tied the record of 109 degrees set in 1948, according to the NWS.
Anaheim reached 106 degrees, besting the Aug. 31 record set in 2007, and also beating the all-time record for the month of August, which was 105 degrees set on Aug. 18, 2020.
Temperatures will be more manageable near the beaches, but will still climb into the upper 80s in Santa Monica. Long Beach will see highs in the upper 80s, rising to 89 and 91 next weekend.
Overnight lows will not offer much relief either, staying in the 70s in most of the hotter areas.
Health officials advise residents to stay indoors with air conditioning whenever possible, drink plenty of fluids and avoid hiking or other strenuous activity in extreme heat.
The forecast has also prompted continued calls for residents to take precautions against heat stroke.
"High pressure will persist over the area creating a prolonged period of very hot conditions with minimal coastal clouds," the NWS said.
"Triple-digit heat is expected for many valley and mountain locations through early next week including coastal areas during the Sunday and Labor Day peak. This heat may be record-breaking and will produce a very high risk of heat illness. Cooling trend by still warm to begin Tuesday or Wednesday."
Soaring temps strike Orange County
In Orange County, an excessive heat warning took effect at 10 a.m. Tuesday for coastal and inland areas and the Santa Ana Mountains and foothills. The warning was originally set to expire at 8 a.m. Monday, but it was subsequently extended through 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Forecasters said OC beaches will be in the 80s, with inland areas hitting the 90s, and possibly up to 105 farther from the coast in cities such as Anaheim, Garden Grove, Irvine and Fullerton.
Keeping cool amid the heat wave
"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors," the NWS urged. "Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances."
Forecasters also urged residents to be aware of the signs of heat stroke and to take precautions.
"Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside," according to the NWS. "When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location."
Temperatures will be more manageable at the beaches, but will still climb into the upper 80s during the heat wave.
Overnight lows will not offer much relief either, staying in the 70s and even in the low 80s in some of the hotter areas.
Statewide Flex Alerts
Meanwhile, more Flex Alerts are anticipated over the weekend, particularly on Sunday and Monday, which are forecast to have the highest electricity demand.
"With excessive heat in the forecast across much of the state and Western U.S., the grid operator is expecting high electricity demand, primarily from air conditioning use, and is calling for voluntary conservation steps to help balance supply and demand," according to Cal-ISO.
During the alerts, residents are urged to take power-saving steps such as:
- Setting thermostats to 78 degrees or higher;
- Avoiding use of major appliances;
- Turning off unnecessary lights; and
- Avoid charging electric vehicles.
Residents are also advised to pre-cool their homes as much as possible, and close blinds and drapes to keep interiors cool.
Cooling centers for Los Angeles County can be found at https://ready.lacounty.gov/heat/. Cooling centers for the city of Los Angeles can be found at https://emergency.lacity.org/la-responds/beat-heat, or by calling 311.