Perilous heat is forecast for this weekend
Officials urge people to avoid outdoor activity and watch for signs of heat stroke.
Temperatures are expected to hit dangerous levels across parts of Los Angeles County this weekend, prompting officials to warn residents to protect themselves.
The latest bout of extreme temperatures, coming amid an unrelenting heat wave that has broiled much of the Southwest for three weeks, is forecast to bring highs of 100-110 degrees in the valleys, deserts and mountain areas. Los Angeles’ Emergency Management Department warns that the western San Fernando Valley is expected to be hit hard, and the eastern San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys are also under advisory.
Excessive heat warnings are also in place for the Antelope Valley, northwestern Los Angeles County mountains, the San Gabriel Mountains, the Santa Clarita Valley and the west San Fernando Valley for Sunday, according to the L.A. County public health officer.
There are also heat advisories on Saturday for the Santa Susana Mountains, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, the West and East Santa Monica Mountains, the San Gabriel Valley and Palos Verdes Hills.
“High temperatures are not just an inconvenience; they can be dangerous and even deadly,” said Dr. Muntu Davis, the Los Angeles County health officer. “But we can protect ourselves, our families, and our neighbors if we take steps to remain cool and hydrated.”
The National Weather Service is forecasting temperatures to peak at 109 degrees in Woodland Hills on Saturday before cooling to 106 degrees on Sunday.
With a high of 110 degrees on Saturday, Lancaster is expected to just top Woodland Hills and Palmdale, also at 109 degrees. Saugus is predicted to top off at 105 degrees on Saturday, while Burbank will hit 101 that day and Pasadena’s high is expected at 96 degrees.
In comparison, downtown Los Angeles is projected to hit 91 degrees on Saturday, while LAX is expected to be foggy with a high of 79.
The weather service said a strengthening high pressure ridge is one reason behind the high temperatures. The stronger the pressure, the less chance for cooling onshore winds to hit noncoastal areas.
“A very hot air mass is likely to bring major to extreme heat impacts away from the coast,” the agency wrote.
The city’s Emergency Management Department is advising residents to “to be proactive” in dealing with the dangerous heat.
Residents venturing outdoors should find shady areas to rest or buildings with air conditioners. In either event, drinking plenty of water is recommended.
The agency is asking residents without air conditioning to find public facilities that offer such services, including libraries along with recreation and senior centers. Children and pets should not be left unattended in vehicles.
The city provides dozens of cooling and hydration centers that can be found by calling 311 or going online to emergency.lacity.gov /updates. County residents can dial 211 for cooling centers or check online at ready.lacounty.gov/heat/.
Davis counseled against trips during the hottest hours of the day, and asked people to be vigilant for neighbors suffering from heat stroke, to watch for vomiting, dizziness, confusion and red, hot, dry or damp skin. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and 911 should be dialed if someone is ailing, Davis advised.