Heat wave peaks in Southern California, fire danger remains

FILE PHOTO: A firefighter runs while battling the Thompson Fire burning in Oroville, Calif., Tuesday, July 2, 2024. An extended heat wave blanketing Northern California has resulted in red flag fire warnings and power shutoffs. The multiple-day heat wave also baking Southern California “has all the ingredients” for fast-growing fires, according to NWS. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

LOS ANGELES – The multiple-day heat wave baking Southern California reached its peak Friday, but forecasters said above-normal temperatures and critical wildfire conditions will linger into next week.

According to the National Weather Service, the temperature reached 118 degrees in Saugus by early Friday afternoon, highlighting the triple-digit heat that affected most of the areas away from the coast on Friday.

“This is a dangerous situation with all the ingredients for a high risk of heat illness and fast-growing fires,” according to the NWS. “Please avoid hiking in the mountains and the hills through this weekend, make plans on how you will stay cool in the afternoon and evening hours, and stay away from anything that could spark a fire.”

An excessive heat warning for the Golden State (5) and Antelope Valley (14) freeway corridors, the western San Gabriel Mountains and the Antelope Valley will be in effect through 9 p.m. Wednesday. Forecasters said much of that area could see temperatures of up to 116 degrees.

Another excessive heat warning will be in effect until 9 p.m. Sunday in the Santa Clarita Valley, the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, Calabasas, San Fernando Valley and eastern San Gabriel Mountains, where temperatures up to 105 are expected through the weekend.

Palm Springs tied a record high temperature as a historically extreme heat wave continues to build across Riverside County. The city recorded a high temperature of 123.1 degrees at 1:53 p.m. Friday, equaling the city’s record from June 2021.

The San Gabriel Valley will be under a less severe heat advisory until 9 p.m. Sunday, but temperatures there are still expected to reach as high as 105. The Palos Verdes Hills and the Los Angeles coastal area stretching into downtown will be under a heat advisory until 9 p.m. Saturday, with temperatures reaching up to 95, according to the National Weather Service.

A red flag warning of critical fire danger conditions will be in effect until 6 a.m. Saturday for the Antelope Valley foothills and the 5 Freeway corridor in northern L.A. County.

“Onshore flow will likely be on the increase Saturday through Monday, which may lead to increasing southwest to west winds across portions of the interior and possible red flag warning extensions in some areas,” forecasters said.

Palmdale tied its record high for July 4 with a temperatures of 110 degrees Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. The record was originally set in 1973.

“Saturday’s maximum temperatures will be similar to today’s, though a few degrees cooler at the coasts and coastal valleys due to increasing onshore trends through the weekend,” according to the NWS.

Orange County’s forecast was more manageable, with Anaheim expected to hit 90 degrees Friday and Saturday.

As always during the summer, Southland beaches will offer the most relief, with most coastal areas expected to stay in the upper 70s.

The hot and dry weather was heightening fire danger as well, with a red flag warning in effect until at least 6 a.m. Saturday for the 5 Freeway corridor in northern L.A. County.

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

“Friday and Saturday will be EXTREMELY HOT everywhere inland of the immediate coast (much hotter than Thursday). Make plans now on how you will stay cool,” the NWS’ Los Angeles office posted on X.

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 ready.lacounty.gov/heat/ or call 211.

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

— 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. (With CNS report)

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