Introduction to Extreme Heat
The most intense heat of the summer arrives this week when parts of Los Angeles will be under extreme heat warnings and other areas will face severe fire conditions. What authorities described as a severe heat event with days of temperatures in the upper 90s and well into the 100s will begin Wednesday and continue through the weekend.
Severe Heat Event
"This is dangerous heat headed for Southern California," said NBCLA meteorologist Belen De Leon. "High pressure, which is warm, stable air, is starting to sneak into our area. It’s not going to budge anywhere. We won’t see much relief until next week." Heat illness risks usually reserved for desert areas will be more widespread, De Leon said.
Extreme Heat Warnings
An extreme heat warning will be in effect from 11 a.m. Thursday to 9 p.m. Saturday in the Santa Clarita Valley, western Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, the San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Mountains, the Antelope Valley and foothills, the San Gabriel Valley and the 5 and 14 freeway corridors. The eastern Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area and the inland coastal area, including downtown, will be under an extreme heat warning from 11 a.m. Thursday through 9 p.m. Friday, with temperatures expected to range from 95 to 105 degrees. The Palos Verdes Hills will be under a less severe heat advisory from 11 a.m. Thursday to 9 p.m. Friday, although temperatures could also reach as high as 105 degrees.
Red Flag Warnings
A red flag warning indicating critical fire danger, will be in effect from 9 a.m. Wednesday through 9 p.m. Saturday in the Santa Clarita Valley, San Gabriel Mountains, Antelope Valley foothills and the 5 and 14 freeway corridors. Those areas are expected to face high temperatures around 95 to 110 degrees with peak heat Thursday through Saturday.
Widespread strong winds are not part of the forecast, but the extreme heat and dry brush are enough to raise the risk of fast-moving flames. Breezy conditions are possible in foothill areas and mountains. "The combination can change fire conditions rapidly," interim Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Villanueva said.
City Preparations
Mayor Karen Bass directed city personnel throughout Los Angeles to take all necessary steps to combat the conditions that will accompany the heat wave. "Ahead of expected high temperatures later this week, city departments are taking action to keep Angelenos safe," Bass said in a statement. "I encourage Angelenos to stay cool, stay hydrated, check on neighbors, and know that resources are available citywide to help keep you safe." The Los Angeles Fire Department said it is monitoring the forecast and making necessary preparations to meet emergency demands during the heatwave. LAFD added Crew 4, which is a team made up of 26 specially trained personnel who will respond to wildfires within and around the city. Gov. Gavin Newsom also said the state had pre-deployed firefighting resources to Los Angeles County — totaling 10 fire engines, two water tenders, two bulldozers, one helicopter, two hand crews, thee dispatchers and one Incident Management Team.
Cooling Centers
Los Angeles will also open augmented cooling centers throughout the city and hundreds of locations for relief from the heat. For locations and hours of operation, visit laparks.org/reccenter and lapl.org/branches.
Heat Health Safety
To stay safe during the heatwave, follow these tips:
- Stay hydrated! The more hydrated you are, the more effective your body will be at keeping you cool. Drink water – not fizzy and alcoholic drinks, which will dehydrate you.
- Avoid exercise in the middle of the day. If you need to exercise outside, do it early in the morning when the temperature is lower.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored natural fabrics like cotton and linen, as these will help your skin breathe and let your sweat evaporate, cooling you down.
- We sweat around half a pint daily from both feet (and we wonder why they stink!), so if you can, wear sandals or flip-flops to let your foot sweat evaporate.
- Use a fan to circulate air from open windows. Keep your blinds or curtains drawn during the day, so your home doesn’t heat up while you’re out. Turn off big appliances and help prevent brown-outs!
- To cool down quickly, run your wrists under a cold tap or keep a water spray in the fridge for a quick cooling spritz to the face.
- Keep some wet wipes in your bag so you can freshen up your hands, face and neck if you get hot or clammy.
- Want to stay cool at night? One way is to wash your feet in cool water or take a cold shower before bedtime – especially if you get hot during the night or have hot sweats.
- To cool down in bed, try keeping your pillowcase or sheets in a plastic bag in the fridge during the day. Put them back on the bed at night. The fabric will stay cool when you’re trying to get to sleep.
- And bring your pets in and make sure they have shade and water.
- Be prepared for power outages and know where cooling centers are!
Conclusion
The extreme heat warning and red flag warnings issued for Los Angeles indicate a severe heat event that will bring temperatures in the upper 90s and well into the 100s. It is essential to take necessary precautions to stay safe during this period, including staying hydrated, avoiding exercise in the middle of the day, and wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing. The city has also opened cooling centers and pre-deployed firefighting resources to combat the heatwave.
FAQs
Q: What is the expected temperature range during the heatwave?
A: The temperature is expected to range from 95 to 105 degrees in the eastern Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area and the inland coastal area, including downtown, and up to 110 degrees in other areas.
Q: What are the risks associated with the heatwave?
A: The heatwave poses risks of heat illness, fast-moving flames, and power outages.
Q: What precautions can I take to stay safe during the heatwave?
A: Stay hydrated, avoid exercise in the middle of the day, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, and use fans to circulate air.
Q: Where can I find cooling centers in Los Angeles?
A: You can find locations and hours of operation for cooling centers at laparks.org/reccenter and lapl.org/branches.
