High Heat Arrives in Southern California; Triple Digits Likely Through the Weekend

High Heat Arrives in Southern California; Triple Digits Likely Through the Weekend
The highest temperatures (in Fahrenheit) forecast across Southern California in a graphic photo on July 13, 2023. (National Weather Service/Screenshot via The Epoch Times)
City News Service
7/13/2023
Updated:
7/13/2023
0:00

LOS ANGELES—More high temperatures and dangerously hot conditions are expected on July 13 in Southern California and will last through the weekend.

“A prolonged heat wave is expected across the region Thursday through at least this weekend thanks to a sprawling ridge of high pressure,” according to the National Weather Service. “A stubborn marine layer will likely protect many coastal areas from the worst of the heat and may support patchy dense fog at times.”

Forecasters noted that the beach will be the place to be this weekend, noting that coastal areas could remain cool “even during the peak of the heat wave this weekend.”

Elsewhere, however, the heat will be on starting Thursday and persisting until at least July 17.

“The heat is expected to build each day, especially in the Antelope Valley, lower mountain elevations, and the interior valleys such as the Santa Clarita, Salinas, and Cuyama Valley,” according to the weather service. “Dangerous heat will is expected to develop in many of these areas Thursday, then intensify to Excessive Heat Warning levels by July 14.”

A heat advisory will take effect at 10 a.m. Thursday in the Santa Clarita Valley, the Golden State 5 and Antelope Valley 14 Freeway corridors, and the San Gabriel Mountains, continuing until 10 a.m. Friday, when a more severe excessive heat warning will take effect and continue until 10 a.m. Monday.

Forecasters said that area could see temperatures of up to 108 degrees, with temperatures at night dipping only into the upper 60s to low 80s. A less serious excessive heat watch will be in effect throughout the day in those areas on Monday.

In the Antelope Valley and accompanying foothills, an excessive heat warning will also be in effect from 10 a.m. Friday through 10 a.m. Monday, but temperatures in that area could get as high as 113 degrees, with overnight lows dropping only into the 70s, according to the weather service.

People walk along the beach in front of the pier in Huntington Beach, Calif., on March 28, 2020. (Michael Heiman/Getty Images)
People walk along the beach in front of the pier in Huntington Beach, Calif., on March 28, 2020. (Michael Heiman/Getty Images)

The San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys will be under a less severe excessive heat watch from Friday morning through the evening July 16, with temperatures up to 108 degrees possible, forecasters said.

The Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area will be under an excessive heat watch from Friday through Sunday, although temperatures will also rise into the 105-degree range.

In Orange County, an excessive heat warning will be in effect from 10 a.m. Friday until 8 p.m. July 18, with temperatures expected as high as 102 degrees.

“Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities,” forecasters warned. “Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.”

The high heat is expected to contribute to “elevated to brief critical fire conditions” in desert, mountain, and interior valley areas. Those areas will see humidity levels in the 5 percent to 15 percent range. Winds are expected to be relatively light, but some higher gusts are possible in traditionally wind-prone areas.

Elevated temperatures are likely to continue into next week, although more onshore flow is expected, helping to cool things off in the valleys. But mountains and interior areas “will likely continue to sizzle,” the weather service reported.

The metropolitan Los Angeles area is not facing any heat advisories or warnings, but it will still be warm. Forecasters said the Los Angeles area in general will see temperatures around 90 during much of the heat wave, with coastal areas the place to be—thanks to highs of about 80.