SoCal heat wave continues; lower temperatures expected at the end of the week
A heat wave that’s expected to push temperatures into the triple digits in parts of Los Angeles will continue for a couple of days before a weekend cool-down, the National Weather Service said.
Monday is expected to be the hottest day across the region, followed by a gradual cooling trend with temperatures approaching normal levels on Thursday.
Temperatures could reach triple digits in the Valley, the weather service said, with the hottest temperatures in Woodland Hills and Santa Clarita where the heat could peak at 105 degrees.
Starting Tuesday, temperatures should cool slightly each day.
“The real cool-down is most noticeable in the valley locations where it will be in the mid-80s to mid-90s,” NWS meteorologist Robbie Munroe said.
The prolonged heat wave will likely result in an increased risk of heat-related illnesses, the weather service said, especially for homeless people, elderly, infants and anyone participating in outdoor activities.
The high temperatures come as dry weather sweeps through the lower half of the state, raising the risk of fires in the area, Munroe said. The weather service issued a red flag warning for inland areas in Los Angeles and Ventura counties for Monday through Thursday.
In Northern California, firefighters are battling a 3,000-acre wildfire that destroyed at least 175 buildings and forced about 1,400 residents to flee their lake community. The Clayton fire broke out late Saturday afternoon, forcing the entire community of Lower Lake — more than 100 miles north of San Francisco — to evacuate, officials said. The fire was only 5% contained.
Another fire, which broke out near Lake Nacimiento in San Luis Obispo County, has burned 4,300 acres. Only 10% contained, the Chimney fire has destroyed 20 structures and is threatening 150 more.
And on California’s Central Coast, the Soberanes fire, near Big Sur, has wiped out nearly 60 homes, burned more than 72,000 acres and led to the death of a bulldozer operator.
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection officials said the blaze, which was ignited by an illegal campfire, is 60% contained.
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