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Heat wave lingers in SoCal; sweaty Labor Day weekend ahead
Environment Sep 03, 2022
| Photo courtesy of Max Pixel
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The Southland broiled for yet another record-breaking day Friday, with oppressively high temperatures in the forecast throughout the holiday weekend, again raising fears of electrical shortages as residents crank up the air conditioning for relief from the persistent heat wave.
The National Weather Service reported record highs across Southern California, including 113 in Lancaster, where the previous record of 112 was set in 1950, and 110 at Palmdale Regional Airport, where the previous record was 109 in 1996.
Excessive heat warnings are in effect until 8 p.m. Tuesday for the Los Angeles County Mountains, Santa Monica Mountains and the Santa Clarita, San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys, along with the inland coastal area, including downtown Los Angeles. Forecasters said temperatures in the mountain and valley areas could hit 112 degrees, while the inland coastal areas could hit 100.
The warning in the Antelope Valley will last until 9 p.m. Wednesday, with temperatures anticipated up to 113 degrees.
Los Angeles County beaches and the Malibu coast will be under a less-severe heat advisory from 10 a.m. Saturday through 8 p.m. Monday, but even along the coast the mercury could reach 92 degrees, according to the NWS.
In Orange County, excessive heat warnings will also be in place through 8 p.m. Tuesday for coastal and inland areas and the Santa Ana Mountains and foothills. Forecasters said Orange County beaches will be in the 80s, with inland areas hitting the 90s, and possibly up to 105 farther from the coast in cities such as Anaheim, Garden Grove, Irvine and Fullerton.
The warnings were all originally expected to expire Monday night.
“A prolonged period of very hot conditions with minimal coastal clouds is expected as high pressure aloft remains anchored over the West,” according to the National Weather Service. “Triple-digit heat will be common for many valley and mountain locations through early next week. Record-breaking heat will produce a very high risk of heat illness.”
Forecasters said Friday there will be a chance of thunderstorms each afternoon over the weekend over the eastern San Gabriel Mountains and the Antelope Valley, but “our main story remains the heat.”
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the NWS urged. “Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.”
Forecasters also urged residents to be aware of the signs of heat stroke and to take precautions.
“Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside,” according to the NWS. “When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
“Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.”
Overnight lows will not offer much relief either, staying in the 70s and even in the low 80s in some of the hotter areas.
Two records were set Thursday. The high of 112 in Lancaster broke the previous record for Sept. 1 of 110 set in 1950. A record high of 109 was set at Palmdale Airport, tying the previous mark set in 1996. The 99-degree high in Sandberg broke the previous record of 97 set in 1947.
The California Independent System Operator, which manages the power grid, called Flex Alerts on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., and another will be in place during the same hours Saturday. The alert is a call for voluntary power conservation to lessen strain on the statewide electrical system.
More Flex Alerts are anticipated over the weekend, particularly on Sunday and Monday, which are forecast to have the highest electricity demand.
“With excessive heat in the forecast across much of the state and Western U.S., the grid operator is expecting high electricity demand, primarily from air conditioning use, and is calling for voluntary conservation steps to help balance supply and demand,” according to Cal-ISO.
During the alerts, residents are urged to take power-saving steps such as:
— setting thermostats to 78 degrees or higher;
— avoiding use of major appliances;
— turning off unnecessary lights; and
— avoid charging electric vehicles.
Residents are also advised to precool their homes as much as possible, and close blinds and drapes to keep interiors cool.
Cooling centers for Los Angeles County can be found at ready.lacounty.gov/heat/. Cooling centers for the city of Los Angeles can be found at emergency.lacity.org/la-responds/beat-heat, or by calling 311.
