Heat wave lingers in Southern California, but relief on the horizon

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LOS ANGELES – Hot weather is expected to linger into Tuesday and early Wednesday across most of Southern California, continuing yet another summer heat wave, but forecasters said relief is on the horizon.

“A cooling trend will begin midweek with temperatures within a few degrees of normal by Thursday,” according to the National Weather Service.

“Additionally, dense fog will be possible near the coast each night through morning.”

Until then, however, “very hot conditions” are expected through Tuesday and likely into Wednesday thanks to a high pressure system over the region.

An excessive heat warning will be in place until 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area, Calabasas, the western San Fernando Valley, western San Gabriel Mountains, the Antelope Valley and foothills and the 14 Freeway corridor. Temperatures in those areas could reach as high as 110 degrees, with lows only falling into the 70s and 80s.

“There is a high risk for dangerous heat illness for anyone, especially for the very young, the very old, those without air conditioning, and those active outdoors,” according to the NWS.

A less severe heat advisory will be in place until 8 p.m. Tuesday in the eastern San Fernando Valley, the 5 Freeway corridor, the eastern San Gabriel Mountains and the San Gabriel Valley — where temperatures could rise to about 105 degrees — and in the inland coastal areas including downtown Los Angeles, which could heat up to 98 degrees, forecasters said.

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According to the NWS, Wednesday should be noticeably cooler, as the high-pressure system begins to weaken and move west, and onshore flow increases.

“Both of these factors will combine to bring 4 to 8 degrees of cooling to the area,” according to the NWS. “This cooling may not be enough to end the heat risk across the far interior and lower mountain elevations. …The onshore flow will continue to increase on Thursday and this will create another 1 to 3 degree drop in temps.”
Health officials urged people to stay out of the sun if possible during the heat wave, avoid strenuous activity, and stay hydrated. Residents are also reminded to never leave children or pets inside vehicles for any time at all, as unattended vehicles can turn into death traps in mere minutes when temperatures rise.

City officials in Los Angeles are offering dedicated cooling centers through at least Tuesday. The centers will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the following locations:

— Lincoln Heights Senior Citizen Center;
— Lake View Terrace Recreation Center;
— Mid Valley Senior Citizen Center;
— Fred Roberts Recreation Center;
— Jim Gilliam Recreation Center.
In addition, most Parks and Recreation facilities and all 70-plus city library branches can serve as cooling centers during regular hours.

When activated as cooling centers, city park facilities are pet-friendly. Dogs must be on a leash and all pets must be accompanied by their owner at all times. Kennels will be provided upon request. For the more than 70 library branches, only service animals are allowed.

More details are available at Emergency.LACity.gov/Updates. (CNS)

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