Excessive heat warning extended, fire danger elevated across California

With the San Francisco skyline behind them, people fish off a jetty Monday, July 1, 2024, in Alameda, Calif. An excessive heat warning extended through July 10 has raised concerns about heat-related illnesses and more wildfires. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

LOS ANGELES – Temperatures again pushed into the triple-digit range in parts of the Southland Thursday as a high-pressure system settled over the region and raised concerns about heat-related illnesses and possible wildfires.

An excessive heat warning that was supposed to be in effect until 6 p.m. Monday for the Golden State (5) and Antelope Valley (14) freeway corridors, the western San Gabriel Mountains, the Antelope Valley foothills and the Antelope Valley, was extended by the National Weather Service through 6 p.m July 10. Forecasters said much of that area could see temperatures of up to 110 degrees, with interior valleys and foothills possibly reaching 115.

Another excessive heat warning will be in effect until 6 p.m. Monday in the Santa Clarita Valley, the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, Calabasas, San Fernando Valley and eastern San Gabriel Mountains, where temperatures up to 110 degrees are possible.

The San Gabriel Valley will be under a less severe heat advisory until 6 p.m. Sunday, but temperatures there are still expected to reach as high as 105. The Los Angeles coastal area stretching into downtown will be under a heat advisory from 11 a.m. Thursday through 6 p.m. Sunday, with temperatures topping out at 85 to 95 degrees.

The high temperatures and low humidity will also create an extended period of elevated to critical fire danger in areas away from the coast, forecasters said. The NWS issued a red flag warning – indicating critical wildfire conditions – that will be in effect from 6 p.m. Thursday through 6 a.m. Saturday in the western Antelope Valley foothills and the 5 Freeway corridor.

Forecasters said humidity levels in those areas could drop as low as 6 to 12 percent, combining with the heat and potential winds gusting from 25 to 40 mph, dramatically raising the risk of rapid wildfire spread if flames erupt.

“A significant heatwave will affect the region this week and will continue through much of next week, with dangerously hot temperatures across much of the area,” according to the NWS. “High temperatures will 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. Very warm to hot conditions could extend closer to the coast by late this week.”

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Forecasters noted that the Antelope Valley could shatter a notable heat record over the coming week.

“One interesting climate note is that the record of consecutive days of 110+ at Palmdale and Lancaster is three, and the current forecast has all seven days of the forecast period above 110 there, with strong chances of that continuing through the end of next week,” according to the NWS.

The heat was building thanks to a large upper high pressure system that moved in from the west. Forecasters said Wednesday’s high temperatures will be 2 to 4 degrees above Tuesday, and areas away from the coast will have maximum temperatures that range from 12 to 18 degrees above normal.

Temperatures will creep even higher on Thursday, and again on Friday, which is expected to be the warmest day of the heat wave. The Antelope Valley could potentially reach 116 on Friday, while traditionally warmer valley areas could reach up to 109 degrees.

“It is likely that there will be many high temperature records on Friday,” according to the NWS.

Forecasters said “only minimal cooling” is expected over the weekend, along increasing onshore flow should eventually cool things down along the coasts and slowly move into the valleys. But the high pressure system is expected to persist, and the heat wave “may push deep into next week,” according to the NWS.

In Orange County, a heat advisory will be in effect for the Santa Ana Mountains and foothills and Orange County inland areas from 11 a.m. Friday through 9 p.m. Saturday, with temperatures at or near triple digit levels.

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.

The city of Los Angeles announced that it will be operating four “augmented” cooling centers that will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Monday. The centers are:

— Fred Roberts Recreation Center, 4700 Honduras St., Los Angeles;
— Mid Valley Senior Center, 8825 Kester Ave., Panorama City;
— Lake View Terrace Recreation Center, 11075 Foothill Blvd.; and
— Jim Gilliam Recreation Center, 4000 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles.

City officials also noted that climate stations are available for the homeless on Skid Row, offering cold beverages, shade and seating. The stations are on Towne Street between Fifth and Sixth streets; and at San Pedro Street between Sixth and Seventh streets. Another station will be open by July 16 at Fifth and Maple streets.

The homeless can also visit the ReFresh Spot, 544 Towne Ave. The facility is open 24 hours a day, providing drinking water, restrooms, showers and laundry facilities. (CNS)