LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Southern California is already dealing with sweltering temperatures, but forecasters warn the region is about to face an even more dangerous stretch of heat as a persistent heat wave strengthens across the area.
A heat advisory took effect at 10 a.m. Sunday across a broad portion of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Temperatures in some locations could reach 107 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
The advisory is scheduled to remain in effect through 10 a.m. Tuesday. After that, an extreme heat watch is expected to take over and continue through Friday evening.
Under the watch, some of the hottest inland communities could see temperatures climb as high as 112 degrees.
“The expectation is that this is going to be a really, really hot week,” forecasters said Sunday morning.
Inland Areas Face the Worst of the Heat
Sunday’s forecast already showed just how widespread the heat would be.
Temperatures were expected to reach about 96 degrees in downtown Los Angeles, while the San Fernando Valley and Inland Empire could climb to around 106 degrees. Orange County was forecast to reach approximately 97 degrees, while the High Desert could see temperatures near 104 degrees.
The heat is expected to become even more intense as the week progresses.
A strong ridge of high pressure is building over Southern California, creating conditions favorable for prolonged extreme heat. Hawkins said forecasts have continued trending hotter as the week approaches, with several degrees being added to expected high temperatures.
Some valleys could also experience overnight lows in the 70s, meaning residents may receive little relief after sunset.
Officials Urge Residents to Take Heat Seriously
The dangerous conditions are expected to affect people across the region, prompting officials to emphasize heat safety.
Cooling centers are expected to open in communities across Southern California as temperatures rise. Residents are being urged to drink plenty of water, avoid unnecessary outdoor activity and seek air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.
The National Weather Service warns that heat-related illnesses become significantly more common during extreme heat events.
Officials also recommend checking on older relatives, neighbors and others who may be especially vulnerable to dangerous temperatures.
The prolonged heat could be particularly challenging for people who work outdoors or in environments without reliable cooling. Earlier this month, a Southern California food vendor told that extreme heat was affecting both business and working conditions inside the food truck.
“You don’t see as many customers when it’s super hot,” the vendor said, explaining that staying home was not an option.
Coastal Communities Won’t Escape the Heat Entirely
While inland communities are expected to experience the most intense temperatures, coastal areas will not be completely spared.
Beach communities should remain cooler than locations farther inland, but temperatures could still rise above seasonal averages in some areas. Air quality is another concern as the heat builds.
Forecasters said unhealthy conditions were being reported Sunday morning around Azusa, Rancho Cucamonga and Redlands, while conditions closer to the coast were generally better.
Residents in areas experiencing poor air quality may need to take additional precautions, particularly those who are sensitive to pollution.
Monsoonal Moisture Could Bring Storms
The extreme heat will not be the only unusual weather feature affecting Southern California this week.
Monsoonal moisture could produce isolated showers and thunderstorms across the mountains and deserts through much of the week. Meanwhile, humid and muggy conditions are expected to persist in other parts of the region.
The combination of intense heat and dry vegetation could also increase wildfire danger.
Extreme Heat Watch Continues Through Friday
The National Weather Service’s Los Angeles/Oxnard office currently has the extreme heat watch scheduled through 8 p.m. Friday.
With forecasts continuing to trend hotter, residents should prepare for several consecutive days of dangerous temperatures rather than treating the heat as a short-lived spike.
The biggest concern will be inland communities where temperatures could approach or reach 112 degrees, while warm overnight conditions could make it harder for people and homes to cool down.
As the heat wave continues, officials are urging residents to plan ahead, stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the afternoon heat.
How are you preparing for the extreme Southern California heat this week? Share your thoughts and heat-safety tips in the comments.
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