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Extreme heat statewide prompts health warnings
Environment Jul 05, 2024
The National Weather Service forecasts Extreme HeatRisk this week for much of the state, shown in purple. | Image courtesy of the National Weather Service
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A statewide heat wave has prompted official warnings to stay hydrated and avoid extreme temperatures.
The Los Angeles County health officer issued an excessive heat warning through Monday, July 8 for the following areas:
- Eastern Antelope Valley
- Western Antelope Valley
- Antelope Valley
- Western San Gabriel Mountains/Hwy 14 Corridor
- Northwest LA County Mountains
- Santa Clarita Valley
- West San Fernando Valley
- West Santa Monica Mountains
- East Santa Monica Mountains
- Calabasas/Agoura Hills
- East San Fernando Valley
- Santa Susana Mountains
- East San Gabriel Mountains
A heat advisory was issued for these areas:
- San Gabriel Valley: Wednesday through Sunday;
- Los Angeles Inland Coast: Thursday through Sunday; and
- Palos Verdes Hills: Friday through Sunday
The LA County Public Health Department advised residents — especially older adults, young children, outdoor workers, athletes and people with chronic medical conditions — to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness:
- Drink plenty of water and keep hydrated throughout the day.
- If going out is necessary, plan to avoid the hottest hours and wear sunscreen. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothes. Also wear a hat or use an umbrella.
- Cars get extremely hot inside, “even if the windows are ‘cracked’ or open,” according to the county. “Never leave children or pets in cars. Call 911 if you see a child or pet in a car alone.”
- Become aware of and know remedies for heat-related illness, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately for these symptoms: high body temperature of 103 F or higher, vomiting, dizziness, confusion and hot, red, dry or damp skin.
- Check on people at risk for heat-related illness, such as those who are ill or have chronic medical conditions, older adults, pregnant women, children, people who live alone, pets, outdoor workers and athletes.
- Visit your power utility’s website or contact the agency by phone to find out if there are scheduled rolling power outages.
“Although it’s crucial that we take care of ourselves, it’s equally important that we extend our hand to those in need. We must look out for those who are more likely to get ill due to the heat, including the elderly, unwell, pregnant women, children, and those living alone. Hot days aren’t just uncomfortable — they can be dangerous,” Los Angeles County Health Officer Muntu Davis said in a statement. “However, if we make sure to stay hydrated and keep cool, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones, friends, and neighbors. If you have an elderly or unwell family member or neighbor, check on them regularly to ensure they are safe and well.”
Free cooling centers are available to help beat the heat for residents who don’t have access to air conditioning. Locations are listed at ready.lacounty.gov/heat or available by calling 211.
National Weather Service forecasters said areas of the Golden State (5) and Antelope Valley (14) freeway corridors, the western San Gabriel Mountains and the Antelope Valley could see temperatures of up to 116 degrees.
In the Santa Clarita Valley, the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, Calabasas, San Fernando Valley and eastern San Gabriel Mountains, temperatures could reach 110 degrees Friday. Through Monday, those areas could get as hot as 105 F, according to forecasters.
San Gabriel Valley temperatures were expected to reach as high as 105 degrees, and Pasadena could reach 106, according to the NWS.
The Palos Verdes Hills and the Los Angeles coastal area could hit up to 95, according to the NWS. Friday’s downtown LA high was expected to be 93 degrees, before dropping into the upper 80s for the next several days. Van Nuys in the mid-San Fernando Valley could reach 104 on Friday.
In the high desert, where the hottest temperatures in LA County were predicted, Lancaster was expected to hit 114 degrees Friday and Saturday and 113 Sunday.
Palmdale tied its Fourth of July record set in 1973 with a high temperature of 110 F on Thursday, according to the NWS.
Orange County’s forecast was less extreme, with forecasters expecting Anaheim’s high to reach 90 degrees Friday and Saturday.
Inland Empire
Possibly record-setting heat continues throughout Riverside County, with temperatures expected to peak Friday.
An excessive heat warning for the Coachella Valley was extended through 9 p.m. Wednesday, and temperatures were expected to pass 120 degrees. According to the National Weather Service, Palm Springs on Friday “will be an exceptional case, when the all-time daily high temperature record of 123 degrees will be challenged.”
Forecasters said a lengthy heat wave likely will persist in the deserts through most of next week.
Riverside County valleys and mountains will be under an excessive heat warning from 11 a.m. Friday through 9 p.m. Saturday, with temperatures potentially reaching 103-108 degrees.
The NWS predicted that Coachella Valley locations will likely set multiple high temperature records in the coming days.
San Bernardino County health officials suggested area residents visit the county’s extreme heat website that has resources for and information about heat wave survival.
“Extreme heat can pose serious health risks,” San Bernardino County Health Officer Dr. Michael A. Sequeira said in a statement. “The elderly and people with chronic disease, especially involving the heart and lungs, have a much lower tolerance for the harmful effects of heat. It’s crucial to take preventive measures to protect yourself and your loved ones from heat-related illnesses.”
Scorching temperatures with low humidity also very much increases the risk of wildfires. The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District’s “Ready! Set! Go – Fire” website provides information on how to prevent, prepare for and survive a wildfire.
Gov. Gavin Newsom joined the chorus of officials cautioning on the extreme weather.
“California is in the middle of a record heatwave — and now is not the time to let our guard down,” he said in a statement. “We must remain vigilant — stay cool, stay hydrated and check in on loved ones and neighbors.”
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