Major heatwave to hit California over 4th of July week

FILE PHOTO: Hector Hernandez flings cups of water on Sharon, 9, and Cristian Roman, 8, at the public fountain along Prince Memorial Greenway in Santa Rosa, Calif., Tuesday, June 4, 2024. An excessive heat watch will be in effect in large parts of Southern California from Tuesday morning until at least late Friday. (Kent Porter/The Press Democrat via AP)

LOS ANGELES – Temperatures will rise across Southern California next week, reaching as high as 110 degrees in the high desert by next weekend, forecasters said Saturday.

An excessive heat watch will be in effect in large parts of Los Angeles County from Tuesday morning until at least late Friday, according to the National Weather Service. The high temperatures and low humidity will also create elevated to briefly critical fire danger.

“Heat will return to SW CA this coming week, with a high risk of heat-related illnesses for sensitive populations,” the NWS’ Los Angeles office posted Saturday on X.  “Also an increased threat of fast moving grassfires & a high rip current risk by Thu-Fri. Use caution in the heat, w/ any source of flame & near the ocean!”

Heat will return to SW CA this coming week, with a high risk of heat-related illnesses for sensitive populations. Also an increased threat of fast moving grassfires 🙴 a high rip current risk by Thu-Fri. Use caution in the heat, w/ any source of flame 🙴 near the ocean! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/qz1Ddafrix

— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) June 29, 2024

In the Antelope Valley, Lancaster will see a high of 101 on Sunday and stay in the triple digits all week, with a forecast of 110 degrees both Friday and next Saturday.

In the Santa Clarita Valley, Valencia will reach 99 Sunday, hit 100 degrees Wednesday and reach 93 on Friday, according to current forecasts.

The San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys will see highs in the 90s all week, with Pasadena hitting 93 on Sunday and 95 next Friday and Saturday.

Downtown Los Angeles will be in the 80s throughout the week, but could reach 90 degrees next Saturday.

Inland Orange County will similarly be in the 80s, with Anaheim Hills reaching the 90s by Friday.

Gusty southwest to northwest winds are expected each afternoon over interior areas, upward of 35-45 mph over the Interstate 5 corridor as well as the Antelope Valley and nearby foothills. However, forecasters said wind advisories are currently unlikely.

Authorities reminded the public to never leave pets or children inside vehicles on days that are even a little warmer than normal, as locked cars can turn into death traps in mere minutes.

The city and county of Los Angeles both operate cooling centers for people who need a place to escape the heat. To find a location, visit https://ready.lacounty.gov/heat/ or call 211. (CNS)

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