LOS ANGELES, Calif. — A major heat wave gripping Southern California is showing little sign of letting up, with forecasters warning that 90-degree temperatures could continue in downtown Los Angeles through August 30.
The prolonged stretch of heat is being fueled by a dome of high pressure over the interior Southwest that has expanded toward the Pacific Coast. Instead of the usual cooling influence from the Pacific Ocean breaking up the heat, the current weather pattern could allow temperatures to remain elevated for nearly two weeks.
In the Los Angeles area, a heat wave is defined as three or more consecutive days with temperatures reaching at least 90°F.
Downtown Los Angeles has already experienced temperatures at or above that threshold since August 18. Forecasters currently expect the streak to continue, potentially producing 13 straight days of 90-degree heat.
Temperatures Could Reach 100°F in Los Angeles
The heat has already pushed downtown Los Angeles temperatures to 98°F on Sunday and Monday, matching the city’s high temperature from March 17 during an unusually intense late-winter heat dome.
But even hotter conditions could arrive later this week.
Temperatures on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are expected to challenge or establish new high marks for the year, with 100°F possible in Los Angeles.
Meteorologists said the current forecast calls for a 13-day stretch in which highs remain at or above 90 degrees.
The prolonged heat could also put long-standing daily temperature records to the test. Records dating back to the early 1930s could be challenged if the current pattern continues as expected.
Current Heat Wave Could Challenge Historic Stretches
Los Angeles has experienced more extreme heat waves in the past.
One of the city’s most intense stretches occurred in 1955, when temperatures reached or exceeded 100°F every day from August 31 through September 7.
Los Angeles’ all-time record high came on September 27, 2010, when temperatures reached 113°F.
The current heat wave is not expected to approach those extreme temperatures. Instead, forecasters say its potential significance comes from its unusually long duration and the number of daily records that could be challenged.
Downtown Los Angeles is expected to remain 10 to 15 degrees above its historical average, creating uncomfortable conditions even where temperatures do not reach the most extreme levels seen in past heat waves.
Inland Areas Face Even More Extreme Heat
The heat will not be limited to Los Angeles.
Farther inland, communities around Palm Springs, Las Vegas and Phoenix are expected to experience temperatures roughly 4 to 8 degrees above their historical averages.
Highs in those areas could reach the 110s through the weekend, making the prolonged heat especially dangerous for people spending extended periods outdoors.
Even coastal communities will feel the unusual warmth.
Long Beach could see temperatures at or above 90°F through Saturday, while San Diego is expected to avoid the worst of the heat with highs mainly in the 80s. However, humidity in San Diego is expected to be higher than in Los Angeles.
Heat Safety Remains a Major Concern
Residents are being urged to take precautions as the heat wave continues.
Forecasters recommend staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged strenuous activity during the middle and afternoon parts of the day, when the sun is strongest.
The hot and dry conditions are also raising concerns about wildfire risk. People are being urged to use caution with open flames and power equipment, since sparks can quickly ignite dry vegetation and lead to a rapidly spreading wildfire.
The combination of heat, dry brush and persistent warm conditions can make even seemingly small fires more difficult to control.
Beachgoers Face Another Hazard
People planning to escape the heat at Southern California beaches should also pay attention to ocean conditions.
New tropical activity developing off the coast of Mexico could send larger swells toward the California coast through the weekend.
Forecasters say beachgoers could encounter occasional large breakers and potentially dangerous sneaker waves.
Afternoon sea breezes are expected to provide some relief through Friday, particularly for people staying on the beach rather than entering the water.
With temperatures potentially remaining elevated through the end of August, Southern California residents will need to balance outdoor plans with heat safety as forecasters continue watching the persistent high-pressure system.
How are you dealing with the extended Los Angeles heat wave? Are you changing your outdoor plans because of the heat? Share your thoughts in the comments.
