Southern California is bracing for an intense, prolonged heat wave as the National Weather Service warns of the hottest week of the summer so far. Triple-digit temperatures are scorching inland communities and the San Fernando Valley, with excessive heat warnings and advisories blanketing major portions of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Riverside counties.
Triple-Digit Scorchers and Crowded Pools Across the Valleys
Areas across Riverside County, the San Fernando Valley, and surrounding communities saw temperatures reach triple digits as families sought refuge at local facilities. At the Mary Alvord Recreation Center in Burbank, residents packed the aquatic facility to escape the Valley’s intense heat, with children and parents gravitating toward the water to beat the heat on Sunday.
The plan is to get in the big pool. We wanted to really get in the splash pad, but they’re sold out. So that’s fine. We’re going to get in the water, splash around, have a good time,
one parent told FOX 11 at the Burbank aquatic center.
National Weather Service Issues Excessive Heat Warnings
The National Weather Service reports that widespread high temperatures will run between 6 and 12 degrees warmer than average throughout the week. A bulletin from the agency notes that overnight temperatures will be warming as well, setting many areas up to break record high minimum temperatures.
CBS LA has activated a Next Weather Alert across the region through Tuesday due to the extreme conditions, with a Next Weather Watch remaining in effect through Friday that could be elevated if temperatures demand it. While Monday’s high temperatures are expected to drop about 1 or 2 degrees compared to Sunday in most communities, meteorologists warn that readings will climb back up on Tuesday.
Where the Worst of the Heat Will Hit
Inland communities face the most severe conditions, with temperatures projected to reach between 107 and 112 degrees by midweek. Triple-digit readings are forecast across the Inland Empire, while inland sections of Orange County threaten to cross the 100-degree threshold.
In the immediate Los Angeles area, temperatures are expected to hover in the mid to high 90s over the next several days.
Public Safety and Health Advisories
Health officials and weather forecasters are urging residents to exercise caution while outdoors or in homes without air conditioning during what is shaping up to be the hottest week of the summer so far.
Additional safety guidance from local officials instructs residents to limit outdoor activities to the cooler parts of the day and seek out shaded or air-conditioned environments whenever going outside becomes necessary.
