Southern California is in the grip of a relentless heat wave, with temperatures soaring to dangerous levels. As residents grapple with the current heat, another wave of scorching temperatures is on the horizon. The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories and extreme heat watches for various regions, urging residents to take precautions.
The Coachella Valley is under an Extreme Heat Warning with temperatures expected to climb as high as 117 degrees. The heat is not expected to relent overnight, with lows only dropping to the 80s. Meanwhile, L.A. County is bracing for temperatures to hit 105 degrees in the valleys and 90 degrees along the coast during the extreme heat watch from July 14 through July 16.
Meteorological forces driving the heat
The intense heat is primarily driven by a high-pressure system hovering over Southern California and offshore winds commonly known as Santa Ana winds. Lisa Phillips a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Oxnard explains that everything is dictated by which way your winds are blowing and high-pressure systems.
High-pressure systems push warm air down, trapping it closer to the ground. The offshore winds carry dry, hot air from inland deserts toward the coast, raising temperatures in the L.A. basin even higher. Additionally, the marine layer often referred to as June gloom is weakening as the summer progresses, allowing temperatures to rise further.
Safety tips for the heat wave
With temperatures reaching dangerous levels, it is crucial to take precautions to protect yourself and your pets. Here are some essential safety tips:
Hydration and cooling
Stay hydrated by drinking cool water regularly, even if you are not thirsty. Avoid extremely cold water as it can cause cramps. Steer clear of sweetened drinkscaffeine and alcohol as they can contribute to dehydration.
Pet safety
Never leave your pet or any animal in a garagevehicle or direct sun. Provide shade and clean drinking water to keep them cool and hydrated.
Checking on vulnerable individuals
Frequently check in on familyfriends and neighbors especially those who are elderlysick or have limited access to transportation. Offer assistance or rides to those in need. Pay extra attention to individuals at higher risk, including:
- Elderly people (65 years and older)
- Infants and young children
- People with chronic medical conditions
- People with mental illness
- People taking certain medications (e.g., water pills)
Increased fire risk
The high temperatures and dry conditions have also raised the risk of wildfires particularly in the region’s valleysfoothills and mountains. Phillips warns residents to be extra cautious, as the heat and offshore winds dry out vegetation, creating more potential fuel for fires.
We are headed into our fire weather season, where we have more wildfires. The vegetation is dry, so it does catch fire more easily. That just means that fires are going to be a lot more easy to start Phillips said.
Southern parts of Santa Barbara County are expected to see more significant fire weather, with periods of gusty winds.
What’s next?
Temperatures are expected to dip starting Friday but the heat advisory will remain in effect. The high-pressure system is forecasted to move east, with some southerly winds potentially bringing cooling moisture. However, Phillips notes that temperatures will only come down slightly and are expected to remain above average throughout the weekend.
The slight respite won’t last long, as another, possibly worse, heat wave is right around the corner. We could be looking at even warmer temperatures next week Phillips said.
