California prepares for dangerous heat wave ahead of Fourth of July

Excessive heat warnings are in effect for much of California this week. Image: Office of California Governor Gavin Newsom

SACRAMENTO – With temperatures set to exceed 110 degrees throughout much of the state this week, Governor Gavin Newsom is urging Californians to take extra precautions as they celebrate the Fourth of July.

The Governor directed the Office of Emergency Services to activate its State Operations Center and move into Phase II of its Extreme Temperature Response Plan. This is triggered by National Weather Service (NWS) predictions of excessive heat activity and moves the state into action to coordinate an all-hands response by state government.

The state has already begun outreach to a network of community organizations to ensure the most vulnerable Californians can access resources like cooling centers. Additionally, the state is enforcing heat protections for outdoor workers.

Excessive heat warnings and watches are in effect for much of California starting Tuesday through the end of the week and weekend. NWS is forecasting Extreme HeatRisk for many parts of the state, with hot conditions between 105 and 115 degrees for multiple days and little overnight relief. Extreme heat kills more Americans every year than all other extreme weather, including wildfires and flooding.

“A significant heat wave will impact a large part of the area this week and continue into next weekend,” according to the NWS. “Temperatures will become dangerously hot across much of the area. High temperatures by mid to late week are expected to reach 95 to 105 degrees in many areas away from the coast, with highs upwards of 105 to 115 over interior valleys and foothills including the Antelope Valley. Also, by late week, very warm to hot conditions could extend closer to the coast.”

In the Antelope Valley, Lancaster saw a high of 101 degrees Sunday and will stay in the triple digits all week, with a forecast of 111 degrees for Thursday’s July 4 holiday. In the Santa Clarita Valley, Valencia will hit 102 degrees Wednesday and Thursday, according to the NWS.

The San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys will see highs in the 90s all week, with Pasadena hitting 94 on Sunday and reaching 97 on Wednesday.

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

Inland Orange County will similarly be in the 80s, with Anaheim Hills reaching the 90s by mid-week. That area will be under a heat advisory from 11 a.m. Friday through 11 p.m. Saturday, when temperatures of up to 100 degrees are expected.

The city and county of Los Angeles both operate cooling centers for people who need a place to escape the heat.