9:57am
Temperatures will rise today as the Southland remains in the grips of a heat wave expected to continue through Wednesday amid warnings of heat-related illnesses and and a risk of wildfires.
The heat wave is the result of an upper-level high-pressure system
combined with weakening onshore flow, the National Weather Service said.
Temperatures into the triple digits are expected across the Antelope, Santa
Clarita and San Fernando valleys as well as in the foothills and the San
Gabriel Mountains at lower elevations.
“The prolonged heat wave will likely result in an increased risk of
heat-related illnesses, especially for the homeless, elderly, infants and
anyone participating in outdoor activities,” an NWS statement warned.
It urged residents to stay well-hydrated, wear lightweight clothing of
light colors, stay indoors when temperatures are at their highest, and never
leave people or pets in parked vehicles in hot weather, even for a short time.
People with heart disease, asthma or other respiratory diseases who live or
work in high-heat areas are especially urged to minimize outdoor activities.
The weather service also warned of wildfires, with the NWS issuing a
fire weather watch today through Wednesday.
“The combination of hot temperatures, low humidity, and very dry fuels
will bring an extended period of elevated fire danger to southwest California
through Wednesday,” it said, adding that mountain areas and the foothills will
be especially at risk, in part because of bone-dry vegetation.
The NWS forecast sunny skies today and highs in Los Angeles County of 79
in Avalon; 80 at LAX; 89 in downtown L.A.; 90 in Long Beach; 93 on Mount
Wilson; 95 in San Gabriel; 97 in Burbank; 99 in Pasadena; 102 in Saugus and
Palmdale; 103 in Lancaster; and 105 in Woodland Hills. Sunday’s high in
Woodland Hills was 102.
-from CNS
