A major heat wave began in the Southland on Thursday, with temperatures expected to be 25 degrees higher than normal, breaking records in Los Angeles and posing a high risk of heat-related illnesses.
A heat advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. Thursday to 8 p.m. Friday along the Southern California coast, with temperatures forecasted to range from 90 to 100 degrees. The extreme heat will last until Friday, ease slightly over the weekend, and then pick up again next week.
The National Weather Service warned that the unprecedented heat wave could increase heat stress, especially in coastal areas unaccustomed to such high temperatures. They advised conducting outdoor activities early in the day and avoiding leaving people or pets in cars.
Temperatures on Thursday are expected to be 15 to 25 degrees above normal in the Los Angeles region, leading to the potential breaking of more than a dozen records. Forecasters predict temperatures as high as 95 degrees in Pasadena, San Gabriel, and Burbank, surpassing previous records set in 2007.
Despite the lack of onshore winds, the heat will persist for several days, with minimal relief from high temperatures along the coast. Long Beach is forecasted to reach 94 degrees, while Santa Monica Pier is expected to hit 85 degrees.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a warning to avoid water at several beaches due to high bacteria levels, including Santa Monica Pier, Mothers Beach, and Leo Carrillo State Beach.
Officials are urging people to seek medical help for signs of heat stroke or exhaustion, as heat-related deaths in the U.S. surpass those caused by floods, storms, and lightning combined.
Temperatures are expected to cool slightly on Friday along the coast but remain high inland, with most areas in Los Angeles experiencing temperatures in the 80s to mid-90s. Another heatwave is set to hit Southern California next week, potentially breaking more records.
The persistent heat could lead to increased fire risk in grassy areas that bloomed after winter rains. While the current heatwave is not expected to pose a high fire danger, continued dry and warm conditions throughout the summer could set the stage for an active fire season in the fall.
(times staff writer Grace Toohey contributed to this report.)
