Heatwave Cook Pasadena

LOS ANGELES, CA — A heat wave washed over the Southland Friday, sending temperatures into triple-digit territory in some L.A. County valley communities. Such high temperatures can post a threat to human health officials warned. The threat prompted authorities to open up cooling centers, balancing the risk of heat stroke with the coronavirus outbreak.

The National Weather Service attributed the hot weather to a strong upper level high centered over Arizona and New Mexico. It will expand westward through Sunday before weakening somewhat on Monday.

A heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service will be in effect from 10 Saturday morning to 8 Sunday night in the San Fernando, San Gabriel and Santa Clarita valleys, both the San Gabriel and Santa Monica mountains, and inland Orange County and the Santa Ana mountains.

The NWS forecast temperatures of 100-110 in the Antelope Valley, 95- 105 in L.A. County's other valleys and 92-102 in the mountains and foothills.

The weather service urged area residents to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, confining strenuous work or exercise to early morning or evening hours, and wearing light-weight clothing.

And, it stressed, "never, ever, leave children, elderly and pets in and enclosed car, even with the windows down during this heat."

The NWS forecast a mix of sunny and partly cloudy skies in L.A. County Friday and highs of 77 degrees at LAX; 81 in Avalon; 84 on Mt. Wilson and in Long Beach; 85 in Downtown L.A.; 91 in San Gabriel; 92 in Burbank; 93 in Pasadena; 95 in Saugus; 98 in Woodland Hills; 102 in Palmdale; and 103 in Lancaster.

Sunday will be the heat wave's warmest day, with highs of 101 forecast in Woodland Hills and 106 in Palmdale and Lancaster. Temperatures in the 90s in some valley areas will last at least through Thursday.

Cooling centers will be open this weekend in the Los Angeles area.

The centers provide residents who lack air conditioning at home with relief from the heat, free of charge.

The county's cooling centers will be open from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and will operate in compliance with physical distancing and other COVID-19 safety criteria.

The following three county-operated cooling center locations were selected based on heat forecasts provided by the National Weather Service and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health guidelines:

• Claremont Library, 208 N. Harvard Ave.;
• Stevenson Ranch Library, 25950 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch; and
• Quartz Hill Library, 5040 W. Avenue M-2.

More locations may be added or hours extended based on weather conditions, according to the county's Joint Information Center. To obtain a current list of the county's cooling centers or to view a map of the sites, go to ready.lacounty.gov/heat or dial 211.

The city of Los Angeles also plans to open cooling centers from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the:

• Canoga Senior Center, 7326 Jordan Ave., 818-340-2633;
• Sherman Oaks East Valley Adult Center, 5056 Van Nuys Blvd., 818-386- 9674; and
• Slauson Multipurpose Center, 5306 S. Compton Ave., 323-233-1174.

City officials said people are encouraged to call ahead to see if space is available. More information on the city's cooling centers can be found at emergency.lacity.org/heat

City News Service