Los Angeles, CA — Southern California experienced extreme heat on Wednesday, with temperatures soaring across the region, prompting an extended heat advisory.
The National Weather Service has indicated that although cooler weather is on the horizon, a passing weather system could bring dangerous winds, further elevating the risk of large wildfires.
The heat advisory is expected to remain in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday across several inland areas of Orange County, including Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Garden Grove, Orange, Fullerton, and Mission Viejo. The advisory also covers the Inland Empire and the valleys and mountains of San Diego County.
By 4 p.m., Death Valley National Park recorded a blistering 118 degrees, with Palm Springs International Airport and eastern Riverside also reaching 113 degrees. Other notable temperatures included 104 in Palmdale, 103 in San Bernardino, and 100 in Santa Clarita. Coastal areas, however, saw much cooler temperatures, including 67 at the Santa Monica Pier and 70 at San Diego International Airport.
In light of these extreme conditions, the National Weather Service warned that hot temperatures could lead to heat-related illnesses, urging residents to stay hydrated, remain in air-conditioned spaces, avoid the sun, and check in on neighbors.
Death Valley National Park and the Mojave Desert areas, including the Interstate 15 corridor to Las Vegas and regions around the Colorado River, have been placed under an “extreme heat warning” effective through 10 p.m. Thursday.
The ongoing heat wave is attributed to a high-pressure system settling over Southern California, according to meteorologists.
Fortunately, temperatures are expected to cool down beginning Thursday, although hot conditions may persist further from the coast. Highs forecasted for Thursday include 98 degrees in Palmdale, 97 in San Bernardino, and up to 120 in Death Valley. Other areas are also projected to experience high temperatures, such as 112 degrees in Palm Springs and 100 in the Owens Valley.
By Friday, temperatures across the Los Angeles metropolitan area are predicted to return to seasonal averages, coinciding with the arrival of typical June Gloom low clouds. The National Weather Service office in Oxnard noted that the persistently warm conditions might give way to gloomier weather early next week.
An incoming area of low pressure is anticipated to destabilize the region’s weather patterns, introducing unusual gusty winds from the west and northwest.
These winds, potentially reaching speeds of 60 mph, could impact various inland mountain areas, particularly along the Grapevine section of Interstate 5 and in the Santa Ynez Mountains.
Forecasters have issued warnings about increased risks of power outages, downed trees, and a heightened potential for large wildfires due to the strong winds.
The elevated wildfire risk remains in effect through Saturday for regions including the Grapevine, Antelope Valley, and the Santa Ynez Mountains down to the Santa Barbara County coast. Other areas in danger include the inland Santa Barbara County mountains and the interior valleys of San Luis Obispo County.
Additionally, hazardous boating conditions are expected throughout the weekend, with choppy seas posing risks for small vessels, especially during the afternoons and evenings.
Fire weather warnings have also been placed in effect for the Eastern Sierra and western Nevada, encompassing Reno and Carson City. A red flag fire weather warning has been issued for Alpine and Mono counties, including Mammoth Lakes and Bridgeport, as well as eastern Lassen County.
Residents of Southern California endured an intense heat wave on Tuesday, with temperatures topping 102 degrees in Woodland Hills, 100 in Chatsworth and Ojai, and nearing 99 degrees in Lancaster. The forecast suggests that relief may finally be coming, but the potential for dangerous weather conditions remains a concern for many throughout the region.
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