First Weekend of Fall Kicks off with Brutal Heat Wave

An early autumn heat wave will bring above-normal temperatures to the Southland today and through the weekend, prompting fresh calls for residents to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.

Forecasters said a high-pressure system is pushing up temperatures, and the event’s hottest weather is expected today and Saturday. A high of 104 degrees Fahrenheit expected in Woodland Hills, which will be one of the warmest spots in the greater L.A. area.

“Most areas will warm up a few more degrees Friday then level off Saturday,” according to the National Weather Service. “Warmer valley highs will (be) at or slightly above 100 while inland coastal areas will top out in the low to mid 90s.”

NWS forecasters say they expect no heat records to be set today and Saturday because the existing records are likely too high to be broken.

The NWS forecast partly cloudy skies in some Southland communities today and sunny conditions in others. Highs are expected to be 80 in Avalon and San Clemente; 83 in Newport Beach and Laguna Beach; 85 at LAX; 91 on Mount Wilson; 92 in Long Beach, Irvine, Mission Viejo and downtown L.A.; 93 in Anaheim; 96 in Fullerton; 97 in Yorba Linda; 98 in San Gabriel; 99 in Burbank; 100 in Palmdale; 101 in Lancaster and Pasadena; 103 in Saugus; and 104 in Woodland Hills.

Saturday’s temperatures will be roughly the same. Sunday’s will be few degrees lower, and Monday’s will go down again, as will Tuesday’s. Downtown L.A. is forecast to have a high of 92 Today, 87 on Monday and 84 on Tuesday. Woodland Hills is forecast to hit 104 today, 93 Monday and 91 Tuesday.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health declared a heat alert beginning Thursday and lasting through at least Saturday for the San Gabriel Valley.

“When temperatures are high, even a few hours of exertion may cause severe dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” said Los Angeles County’s interim health officer, Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser. “Others who are frail or have chronic health conditions may develop serious health problems leading to death if they are exposed to high temperatures over several days.”

A list of cooling centers is available online at www.publichealth.lacounty.gov or by calling the 211 information line.

City News Service