Heat Wave Subsides, But Just A Little Across Westwood

LOS ANGELES, CA — A dangerous level of heat persisted Friday across much of the Southland before the weeklong heat wave came to an end -- sort of, forecasters said.

With triple-digit highs hitting in several communities, an excessive heat warnin in its 5th day was scheduled to be in effect until 8 p.n. Friday evening in the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and San Gabriel valleys and both the San Gabriel and Santa Monica mountains, and 8 p.m. Saturday in the Antelope Valley. In most communities, the heat wave will be considered over after Friday, in part because overnight temperatures will decline, becoming more bearable, but daytime temperatures will remain 4-8 degrees above normal through the middle of next week..

But the National Weather Service Friday morning converted excessive heat warnings in the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys and the Santa Monica Mountains into less serious heat advisories scheduled to expire at 8 p.m. The NWS, however, did not in anyway water down the dire warnings that had accompanied the excessive heat warnings.

No heat advisory of any kind was in effect since Thursday morning in the L.A. coastal zone -- the coast, beach cities, metropolitan Los Angeles, Downtown L.A. and the Hollywood Hills -- thanks to a developing marine layer.

The prevailing conditions create an "increased potential for serious heat-related illnesses, especially for the young and elderly, those performing outdoor activities, as well as those without access to air conditioning," warned an NWS statement that also cited "increased potential for power outages."

The statement urged people who work outdoors to wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and drink plenty of water. It added:

"Never, ever, leave people or pets in enclosed vehicles, even for a short period of time" because vehicle interiors can quickly become deadly hot.

City News Service; Photo: Shutterstock