Lingering heat and tropical moisture expected across Los Angeles this weekend

While the peak of the heat wave wasn’t as sweltering as expected on Friday, toasty temperatures accompanied by a dose of unexpected tropical moisture are anticipated across Los Angeles this weekend.

The heat sent the mercury rising above 100 degrees in Woodland Hills and Chatsworth and was powerful enough to topple at least one record. Downtown Los Angeles reached 96 degrees on Friday, edging out the record of 95 degrees set in 1972, according to the National Weather Service.

Temperatures are expected to be slightly cooler — into the mid-70s to low 80s along the coast and low 90s inland — with increased humidity in Los Angeles County on Saturday. Highs in the 90s to just above 100 degrees are expected across the valleys, lower mountains and deserts.

Heat advisories in effect for a large swath of Southern California are set to expire over the course of the weekend.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Alvin continues to weaken along the southern tip of the Baja coast but will still funnel tropical moisture into Southern California. Forecasters are warning of a chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms in Los Angeles County and potentially Ventura County.

Amounts would be light, forecasters say, and not every location will get rain.

For days, officials have cautioned the public about the risks associated with record-breaking heat.

In Los Angeles County, the Public Health Department issued a heat advisory for residents in the western and eastern areas of the San Fernando Valley, as well as the Santa Clarita Valley, warning of the high risk of heat-related illness for sensitive populations — adults who are 65 and older, as well as children and those with chronic illnesses. Forecasters are expecting temperatures to reach as high as 100 degrees.

Along the Central Coast, temperatures remained in the high 90s on Friday but are expected to ease on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service’s Monterey Office. Locals and travelers headed to the Cuyama Valley, southern Salinas Valley or the mountain and valley areas of San Luis Obispo County are being warned of high heat risks.

Temperatures as high as 106 are forecast for a portion of Central California including Merced, Madera, the San Joaquin Valley, Fresno, the Yosemite Valley and the Sierra foothills on Saturday.

An extreme heat warning will remain in effect for Death Valley, where temperatures are expected to exceed 115 degrees, through Saturday night.

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a fire weather watch from Saturday morning through Sunday evening due to gusty winds, low humidity and the chance of dry lightning. There is a 10% to 15% chance of isolated dry thunderstorms with gusty, erratic winds primarily in the Sierra.

How to protect yourself during a heat wave

For residents living in areas with general to extreme heat advisories, health officials advise you to:

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• If possible, stay in air-conditioned rooms.
• Check on relatives and neighbors.
• If you have to be outside, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing and a hat, and use an umbrella.
• Avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day. Stay in shaded areas as much as possible.
• Never leave pets or children alone in a car. Cars get very hot inside, even with the windows cracked or open, officials said.

If you don’t have access to air conditioning or a cool environment, there are free cooling centers, splash pads and community pools in Los Angeles County. You can find which cooling centers are near you by checking the Find Relief From the Heat section of the Ready L.A. County Website.

Public health officials say heat-related illnesses, such as exhaustion and heatstroke, increase significantly during extreme heat.

Symptoms of heat-related illness include vomiting, dizziness, confusion, and hot, red, dry or damp skin. If you see or experience any of these symptoms, move to a cool place and call 9-1-1.