High-pressure system turns up the heat across Southern California

FILE PHOTO: A surfer surfs a longboard as the sun sets on a hot day Thursday, July 13, 2023, in Encinitas, Calif. A high-pressure system blanketing much of the southwestern United States was driving up temperatures across Southern California this weekend. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

LOS ANGELES – A high-pressure system blanketing much of the southwestern United States was driving up temperatures across the Southland, with triple-digit temperatures anticipated in some areas through the
weekend.
“For most areas, daytime highs will peak over the weekend,” according to the National Weather Service. “Expect temperatures ranging from 102 to 108 degrees across the Antelope Valley, from 90 to 100 for the interior valleys, and in the mid 80s to mid 90s for inland coastal plains. Only the beaches will see temperatures in the 70s, with upper 60s possible along the Central Coast.”

The NWS issued a heat advisory that will be in effect from 10 a.m. Saturday through 8 p.m. Sunday for the Santa Clarita, San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys, where forecasters said temperatures will likely hit the triple-digits.

An excessive heat watch will be in place from Saturday morning through Sunday evening across the Antelope Valley and the San Gabriel Mountains, along with the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway corridor.

“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” forecasters advised.

The NWS warned of the potential for “dangerously hot conditions” over the weekend, “especially for the mountain areas and Antelope Valley.”

Forecasters said there will be a chance of showers or thunderstorms across LA County on Sunday, thanks to moisture from the remnants of Tropical Storm Alberto.

“Even if no showers develop, the additional moisture will increase humidities and slightly moderate temperatures, dampening daytime highs and raising overnight lows,” according to the NWS. “This will further intensify the impacts of the high temperatures both during the day and overnight. Heat related preparations and precautions are advised for this weekend.”

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a heat advisory for the valley areas for Saturday and Sunday.

“On hot days, it’s important for everyone to both take care of themselves and check on others, especially those who have a higher chance of getting ill due to the heat. Some of them include children, the elderly, those with health conditions, pregnant people, those living alone, and pets,” Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer, said in a statement. “Hot days can be dangerous for anyone, so it’s crucial to stay cool and hydrated. Never leave children, the elderly, or pets alone in hot homes, places, or vehicles.

Make sure to check on elderly or unwell neighbors and relatives regularly.”

The city and county of Los Angeles both operate cooling centers for people who need a place to escape the heat. Cooling center locations can be found here.

Meanwhile, the South Coast Air Quality Management District issued an ozone, or smog, advisory that’ll be in effect through 7 p.m. Tuesday, covering most non-coastal areas of Los Angeles County and stretching into much of Riverside County. AQMD officials said the extreme heat will likely lead to unhealthy or worse air quality conditions in much of the area.

The AQMD urged residents to check air quality levels and limit outdoor activities, limit the use of gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment until evening hours and conserve electricity. (CNS)