At 12:46 p.m. on Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued an extreme heat watch valid from Tuesday, Jul. 14 until Thursday, Jul. 16 for Los Angeles County Inland Coast including Downtown Los Angeles.
“Dangerously hot conditions with temperatures of 90 to 100 degrees possible,” the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA said. “The warmest temperatures for the Heat Advisory are expected to occur this afternoon and Thursday afternoon with only a slight cool down over the weekend, before increasing again. Additionally, monsoonal moisture will add to the discomfort level from the heat next week.”
“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. There is a high risk for heat illness for sensitive populations including the very young, the very old, those without air conditioning, and those active outdoors,” according to the NWS.
Staying safe in high temperatures
Safety tips from the Environmental Health and Safety office at UC Irvine:
- Drink water: Drinking plenty of water frequently is vital for those exposed to heat. An individual may produce as much as 2 to 3 gallons of sweat per day. To replenish that fluid you should drink 3 to 4 cups of water every hour.
- Take breaks: Taking breaks in a cool shaded area and allowing time for recovery from the heat during the day are effective ways to avoid heat-related illness.
- Avoid some beverages: Avoid or limit the use of alcohol and caffeine during periods of extreme heat. Both dehydrate the body.
- Stop and rest: If you start to feel symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, weakness or unusual fatigue, rest in a cool shaded area. If symptoms persist or worsen seek immediate medical attention.
- Clothing: Whenever possible, wear clothing that provides protection from the sun but allows airflow to the body. Protect your head and shade your eyes when outdoors.
- Be prepared: When in the heat be sure to pay extra attention to those you’re with and be sure you know how to call for medical attention.
For information about cooling centers operated by Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, see https://ready.lacounty.gov/heat/, https://ocgov.com/cooling-centers, https://capriverside.org/cool-centers and DPH.
For more local weather alerts, visit our Weather Advisory page