Advertisement

L.A. forecast: Stifling heat wave could break records this weekend

Share

Los Angeles faces a potentially record-breaking heat wave this weekend, with temperatures expected to climb into the triple digits in much of the region.

As the mercury rises, humidity across the region is forecast to drop, putting Southern California at increased risk of wildfires, forecasters warned.

The heat-up is expected to begin Thursday, with temperatures potentially reaching the mid-90s downtown and topping 100 in the valleys of L.A. County, said meteorologist Scott Sukup.

Advertisement

The temperature is expected to continue climbing until it peaks Sunday, when heat records for the date could be broken across the region, including downtown L.A.’s record of 100 degrees and Woodland Hills’ 107-degree record set in 1971, officials said.

“When it’s that hot it doesn’t matter if it’s humid or not,” Sukup said.

The National Weather Service on Thursday warned that the heat wave through next week will leave the elderly particularly vulnerable. People should avoid strenuous activities in the middle of the day and wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, the agency said.

The weather isn’t expected to begin cooling until Tuesday.

The hot weather is the result of a high pressure system that routinely settles over the Southwest U.S. about this time of year, Sukup said.

Despite the heat and low humidity, no red flag warnings had been issued as of Thursday morning due to lack of strong winds, forecasters said. Still, the Southland’s forests remain vulnerable to fast-moving fires as California suffers through one of the worst droughts in its history.

According to a new U.S. Drought Monitor report released Thursday, recent spates of rain and thunderstorms have provided little if any relief.

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna.

Advertisement
Advertisement