Southern California is bracing for a severe heat wave and hazardous surf conditions this week. The combination of high pressure moving in from the east and the unusual paths of Tropical Storms Elida and Fausto is creating a double threat for the region.
The heat wave is expected to begin on Tuesday and last for seven days, with temperatures potentially reaching dangerous levels by the weekend. The National Weather Service office in Oxnard has issued warnings about the major heat risk affecting the Inland Empire, inland Orange County, San Diego County valleys, and the deserts and mountains.
Extreme Temperatures and Fire Weather Conditions
By Wednesday, temperatures are forecasted to soar, with Lancaster expected to hit 105 degrees, Canoga Park 103, Santa Clarita 98, Covina 95, downtown Los Angeles 89, Santa Barbara and Thousand Oaks 86, and Long Beach 85. The Inland Empire and parts of San Diego County’s interior valleys are expected to exceed 100 degrees, while the deserts could surpass 110 degrees.
Meteorologists have also warned of critical fire weather conditions in interior areas starting Tuesday and lasting through Monday. Weak-to-moderate sundowner winds are expected in southwestern Santa Barbara County, which can rapidly spread fires if an ignition occurs.
Hazardous Surf Conditions from Tropical Storms
Tropical Storm Elida originating off southern Mexico, has taken an unusual northward path, bringing hazardous surf to Southern California beaches. Forecasters warn of dangerous swimming conditions, especially on south-facing beaches, with surf heights of 4 to 8 feet expected.
Orange County is already experiencing waves 4 to 6 feet high at its south-facing beaches, with some sets reaching 6 to 8 feet. These elevated waves are anticipated to persist through at least Tuesday. Another system, Tropical Storm Fausto could generate another set of elevated swell later this week into the weekend.
Tropical Storm Elida is expected to remain far offshore from California, but a plume of moisture from its tail has already arrived in the San Francisco Bay Area, bringing a chance of sprinkles or very light rain, with isolated lightning strikes. This moisture is also contributing to increased humidity in the Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay areas.
Marine Heat Wave and High Humidity
The ongoing marine heat wave off Southern California is playing a significant role in the current weather conditions. Warmer sea surface temperatures are heating the air above and adding moisture and humidity, creating a muggy atmosphere along the coast.
Current sea surface temperatures off the state’s coast are among the warmest ever seen for this time of year, rivaling only the wintertime anomalies seen during the strongest El Niño on record during 1997-1998 and the ‘warm blob’ years of 2014-2015. This marine heat wave is not influenced by El Niño at this time, with its effects expected to begin in the fall.
The heat wave is being caused by a huge ridge of high pressure currently centered over Utah and Wyoming, extending to the southwest. High pressure causes colder air to sink in the atmosphere, where it compresses, warms up, and dries out.
Residents are advised to avoid working outside in the extreme heat if possible. If outdoor work is necessary, it is crucial to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks in the shade.
