Southern California will catch a reprieve from its oppressive heat wave starting early next week, the National Weather Service said. But you can expect a sweltering weekend.
Parts of the region have seen daily temperatures nearly 20 degrees higher than normal for this time of year, NWS meteorologist Chandler Price said. In Riverside and San Bernadino, where it reached 113 and 112 degrees respectively Thursday, the normal high temperature in early September is a relatively balmy 96 degrees.
The heat wave was caused by overall high atmospheric pressure in the area, the result of global seasonal patterns rather than a direct trigger like a nearby storm. High pressure is quite persistent, Price said, which is why the hot spell has lingered.
Also contributing to high daytime heat is a lack of an overnight cooldown, NWS meteorologist Carol Smith said.
“If you get cooling at night, it helps start the day out at a lower temperature,” Smith said. “We’re just not seeing that.”
High temperatures in Orange County are usually eased by cooler breezes off the coast. However, the ocean has warmed up as it does each year in late August. Inland Orange County is predicted to exceed 100 degrees by the end of this weekend, with little relief from the wind.
Los Angeles will experience similar conditions this weekend. Downtown should hit just under 100 degrees, while the San Fernando Valley is anticipating a high of 106 degrees.Areas further inland have naturally felt the brunt of the heat this week, with several posting record temperatures. Indio set a new record of 121 degrees this week, one degree higher than the previous record set in 2020. Burbank tied an all-time high of 114 on Friday, meteorologist Carol Smith said, the fourth time it’s happened since 1939.
Fortunately, there should be significant cooling this coming week.
“There’s relief on the horizon,” Price said. “By Wednesday, we’ll be returning to normal temperatures for this time of year, based on a 30-year climate average.”
Until the heat breaks, there remains a slightly elevated risk of wildfires. Dry air along with high heat creates an ideal environment for them to grow and spread.
The weather service has issued several red flag warnings in the past few days, and the Line fire, which broke out around 6:30 p.m. Thursday in Highland, prompted evacuations later and continued burning on Friday, spreading to 1,180 acres as of Friday afternoon.
The Orange County Fire Authority is maintaining normal staffing, but is “ready to go” in case of a wildfire, OCFA Captain Than Nguyen said.
The biggest concern is making sure people around the region take necessary precautions.
“We’re telling everybody to limit their outdoor activity and to make sure they stay hydrated,” Nguyen said. “Seems simple enough, however, a lot of times people don’t stay on top of their hydration and then find themselves in a situation that’s going to require help.”
Smith advised the public to look after their four-legged friends as well. Pets need to remain hydrated and indoors as much as possible, just like their owners. Even daily walks on pavement could burn animals’ paws.
Price is encouraging people to take advantage of nearby cooling centers, located in libraries and community centers throughout Southern California.
“Make sure to look out for neighbors, especially more vulnerable people who may not have air conditioning at home or access to clean water,” Price said. “And make sure you take care of yourself, too.”
High temperatures forecast for Saturday, Sept. 7:
Anaheim: 99
Long Beach: 96
Downtown Los Angeles: 99
San Fernando Valley: 108
Mission Viejo: 99
Ontario: 107
Pasadena: 110
San Bernardino: 109
Temecula: 105
Torrance: 92
Redlands: 107
Riverside: 109
Whittier: 105
Source: https://www.weather.gov/
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