Heat alert extended
Triple-digit weather steady into next week and wildfires raging throughout the state have extended a heat alert and caused “unhealthy” air quality for all of the Santa Clarita Valley.
Air conditions labeled as unhealthy by the South Coast Air Quality Management District are expected through Friday. Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, L.A. County’s interim health officer, said in a prepared statement that people with heart disease, asthma or other respiratory diseases should minimize outdoor activities.
As for weather conditions, the Los Angeles County health officer extended the heat alert to last through Tuesday.
Highs near 106 degrees are expected for the remainder of the week, dropping just a few digits with temperatures ranging from 100 and 102 into early next week, according to the National Weather Service.
These high, long-lasting temperatures are caused by “high pressure, which causes the air in the area to sink and compress. This makes the air hot,” said Weather Service spokesperson Keily Delerme. “Cooler temperatures are not expected anytime soon.”
Anyone partaking in outdoor activities, older adults, caretakers of infants and children, and those sensitive to the heat should especially take the necessary precautions during severe weather conditions.
“When temperatures are high, even a few hours of exertion may cause severe dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” Gunzenhauser said in the statement.
The county advises sports teams to schedule outdoor practices during “very early or very late” hours in the day as one way to prevent heat-related illnesses.