Southern California is gearing up for a week of intense weather conditions, with extreme heat and thunderstorms on the horizon. The National Weather Service has issued heat watches and advisories urging residents to take precautions as temperatures climb.
The week will see a gradual increase in temperatures, peaking on Wednesday with many areas reaching up to 110 degrees. The San Fernando Valley is expected to hit this mark, according to forecasts from KTLA. The combination of high temperatures and humidity from monsoonal moisture will make the conditions even more uncomfortable.
Heat advisories and extreme conditions
A heat advisory is in effect until 10 a.m. Tuesday after which it will transition to an extreme heat watch lasting through Thursday evening. The National Weather Service warns that the afternoon high on Wednesday could reach 110 degrees in the San Fernando Valley.
The humidity will add to the discomfort, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms each day, particularly in the mountain and desert areas. This is due to subtropical moisture being drawn into the region by a strong ridge of high pressure. Even coastal areas may see temperatures in the 90s by midweek, with warm conditions persisting through the night.
Safety tips and precautions
The National Weather Service recommends completing outdoor activities early in the day to avoid the peak heat. Residents are advised to stay hydrated, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day.
For those heading to the beaches to escape the heat, be aware of high tides peaking just over 7 feet from Sunday through Tuesday. This could lead to coastal flooding in low-lying areas, as well as dangerous rip currents.
Weekend weather outlook
By Friday the marine layer will spread farther inland, bringing patchy fog and more comfortable temperatures to the coast and valleys. The mountains and deserts will still experience above-normal temperatures, with the deserts under an Extreme heat warning until 8 p.m. Friday for highs up to 116 degrees.
The Heat Advisory for the mountains will also end at 8 p.m. Friday with highs mostly in the 90s. However, some lower elevations, like Campo may reach close to 100 degrees.
Looking ahead to the weekend temperatures will drop back to near average, with 70s along the coast, 80s inland and in the mountains, and below 110 degrees in the deserts. However, humidity levels will rise, bringing a slight chance of sprinkles or isolated showers mainly near the mountains. There is also a small possibility of pop-up thunderstorms.
The chance of storms increases next week, with the potential for isolated to scattered storms that may produce flash flooding. The humidity and heat are expected to persist through the end of the month, making it crucial for residents to stay informed and prepared.
