Heat wave: Temperatures are dropping, but only slightly
The worst of a heat wave that broiled the Western U.S. may have passed, but forecasters say it will remain hot across the region for the next several days.
Temperatures will drop a few degrees Monday, causing the National Weather Service to remove excessive heat warnings from the San Gabriel and San Fernando valleys. But the warnings remain in effect for the Santa Clarita Valley, L.A. mountains and the Antelope Valley.
“It’s going to be hot, but just not as hot,” said NWS meteorologist Rich Thompson.
Weather specialists say Sunday was likely the peak of the heat wave and record temperatures are not expected in the coming days.
The NWS’ mercury thermometer recorded a peak of 128 degrees in Death Valley on Sunday, just six degrees short of the hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth.
Throughout Southern California, temperatures Sunday broke decades-old records. Lancaster reached an all-time high of 115 degrees, breaking a 1950 record of 110.
The heat reached into the three digits across the region, with Woodland Hills and Riverside reaching 105.
Downtown L.A. topped out at 94 degrees. In Pasadena, six runners who braved a half-marathon were hospitalized for heat-related conditions.
The heat was of particular concern to firefighters because of record dry conditions that have already figured in several major brush fires. Fourth of July fireworks also went on sale Friday in some areas, adding another fire danger.
Since January, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has responded to about 2,900 fires, many more than in other years, department spokesman Daniel Berlant said. Current weather conditions are more typical of late August or early September, he said.
Downtown Los Angeles is expected to have a high of 87 Monday. Burbank, which recorded a high of 100 Sunday, will drop to 95. Coastal and valley areas will experience the most cooling, according to Thompson, while inland temperatures will remain well above normal.
“Saturday might be the coolest day of the next seven, and it will still be in the upper 80s to mid 90s in valleys,” he said. “We’re in summertime.”
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