'Dangerously Hot Conditions' To Broil Hollywood This Week

HOLLYWOOD, CA — The first heatwave of 2021 is upon us, with triple-digit temperatures expected this week in Hollywood. National Weather Service expects temperatures to soar as high as 103 degrees in Hollywood, prompting fears of a strain on the power grid and an elevated risk of brush fires.

National Weather Service issued an excessive heat watch from Tuesday at 10 a.m. until Wednesday at 7 p.m.

"A significant heat wave is expected to be in full effect Tuesday through the remainder of the week with peak high temperatures expected Tuesday through Thursday," according to the NWS. "High temperatures will be 10 to 20 degrees warmer than normal. There will be gusty northerly winds (Monday) afternoon and Tuesday, especially across the Santa Barbara south coast and somewhat weaker through the Interstate 5 corridor. Some cooling inland by this weekend and a return of low clouds should be limited to coastal areas by Friday morning."

In Hollywood, NWS predictions highs of 100, 95, 94 and 92 for Tuesday through Friday, respectively. California Independent System Operator, which manages the state's power grid, called on suppliers to delay maintenance, and said all available resources will be needed to maintain power supply.

If necessary, the ISO could issue a Flex Alert, which is a voluntary call for residents to conserve power during peak hours to reduce strain on the grid.

"It is still too early to know the precise impact (the) high temperatures will have on the electricity grid," according to Cal-ISO. "But the ISO is closely monitoring conditions and the anticipated increase in demand for electricity and will issue additional public notifications as warranted."

The NWS warned that extreme heat will "significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses." The agency issued special warnings for people who work outside, advising them to wear lightweight clothing and take frequent breaks in shaded or air condition areas.

"Be prepared to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors," according to the NWS. "Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes."

Also due to the heat wave, the South Coast Air Quality Management District issued an ozone advisory Monday through Saturday, predicting increased likelihood of poor air quality in many areas. Levels of ground-level ozone -- the predominant summertime pollutant -- are likely to reach unhealthy or higher air quality index levels throughout most of the Southland.

"Elevated temperatures, which enhance ozone formation rates and increase emissions of chemicals leading to ozone formation, coupled with predicted light winds may cause unusually high and persistent levels of ozone pollution," according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

City News Service contributed to this report.