Extreme Heat And Humidity Headed To Westwood-Century City

LOS ANGELES, CA — Temperatures in Westwood-Century City this week are expected to spike to 94 degrees, while high humidity will add to the discomfort, according to the National Weather Service.

Another heat wave is coming to the Southland starting Thursday, and it's likely to cause a risk of heat-related illnesses and wildfires, the National Weather Service said Wednesday.

"High pressure will build over the desert southwest this week and expand westward toward California starting on Wednesday across Los Angeles County mountains and become more widespread by Thursday and persist through the weekend," according to a National Weather Service statement.

"The extended period of hot temperatures with locally gusty winds will bring elevated to brief critical fire weather concerns." The NWS said temperatures will be rising daily "and become more uncomfortable from Thursday through Sunday for many valleys and mountains of Southwest California," including in Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.

The reason for the discomfort forecasters are anticipating is an expected infusion of humidity, which causes high temperatures to feel like they're even higher than they really are, they said.

"In addition to the increasing temperatures there will be some elevated moisture moving up from Mexico which could create added humidity during this heat wave," according to the NWS statement.

"In this scenario it will be harder to cool off at night, with overnight temperatures remaining in the mid 70s to lower 80s just above the valley floor."

Forecasters say it's too early to determine how long the heat wave will last, but mountain and desert areas will remain well above normal through Sunday and possibly into early next week.

In the San Gabriel Mountains, a heat advisory will be in effect from 9 a.m. Wednesday until 9 a.m. Thursday, and a more serious excessive heat watch from Thursday morning through Sunday evening, according to the NWS.

Forecasters said mountain temperatures will range from 98 to 104 degrees Wednesday, rising to a range of 100 to 106 during daytime hours Thursday.

"Very high temperatures may create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible," the statement warned, adding:

"Temperatures inside vehicles, even if the windows are partially open, can quickly rise to life-threatening levels. Never, ever leave people or pets in enclosed vehicles, even for a short period of time."

The NWS also warned that people who must work outdoors should schedule strenuous activities for early in the morning or in the evening. Residents also should wear lightweight clothing and stay well-hydrated. If anyone is overcome by the heat, 911 should be called.

"Hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible," the statement said. "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors."

An excessive heat watch will be in effect from Thursday morning through Saturday evening in the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area and the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and San Gabriel valleys. Temperatures in those areas will range from 100 to 107, falling to between the 70s and lower 80s at night.

A combination of sunny and cloudy skies was forecast in Los Angeles County Wednesday, along with highs of 75 at LAX; 83 in Long Beach; 84 in Downtown L.A.; 85 in Avalon; 92 in San Gabriel; 94 in Burbank and on Mount Wilson; 96 in Pasadena; 102 in Saugus; 104 in Woodland Hills and Palmdale; and 105 in Lancaster. Temperatures are expected to climb until Sunday, when they will fall by several degrees but remain a little higher than Wednesday.

Sunny skies were forecast in Orange County Wednesday, along with highs of 73 in San Clemente; 75 in Newport Beach; 76 in Laguna Beach; 89 in Mission Viejo; 90 in Irvine; 91 in Anaheim; 93 in Yorba Linda; and 94 in Fullerton. Temperatures will rise by a few degrees Friday and Saturday but otherwise remain roughly at Wednesday's levels though Sunday, falling a few degrees Monday and Tuesday.

City News Service; Photo: Shutterstock