LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Temperatures soared again across the Southland today, with the state under a Flex Alert for energy conservation until 9 p.m. and no relief from the heat expected until Friday.
An excessive heat warning was in effect until 9 p.m. Thursday in the San Fernando, Santa Clarita, San Gabriel and Antelope valleys, as well as the San Gabriel and Santa Monica mountains. In inland Orange County and the Santa Ana Mountains, the warning was in effect until 10 p.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
A less serious heat advisory was in effect until 9 p.m. Thursday in the Los Angeles coastal zone -- beach cities, metropolitan Los Angeles, downtown Los Angeles and the Hollywood Hills.
Several areas saw heat records set on Tuesday, including Woodland Hills at 112 degrees, Burbank at 109 and Long Beach at 100. Wednesday's highs were expected to approach those numbers. Downtown Los Angeles was at 94 degrees at 1 p.m., with Lancaster at 107, Van Nuys at 104 and Pasadena at 100.
Forecasters warned that excessive heat and a heightened risk of wildfires would last at least through Thursday.
“Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities,'' according to the weather service. “Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.''
“Very hot conditions will continue through the week with very warm nights, especially for valley and interior areas,'' according to the weather service. “Temperatures will cool only slightly later in the week and will remain above normal through early next week.
“There is a slight chance of thunderstorms through Wednesday mostly over the mountains and the Antelope Valley.''
Several cooling centers were open across Los Angeles County for those without air conditioning, but their capacity was limited due to social distancing requirements amid the coronavirus pandemic. Their locations can be found at lacounty.gov/heat.
Information about cooling center in the city of Los Angeles can be found by calling 311 or visiting laparks.org/emergency/cooling-center-activation.
The statewide Flex Alert was in effect again Wednesday, but it will begin an hour earlier in hopes of getting a jump on power-cutback efforts.
The Flex Alert will take effect at 2 p.m. Wednesday and continue until 9 p.m., according to the California Independent System Operator, which manages the state's power grid. The alert was originally scheduled for 3 to 10 p.m.
Rolling blackouts were again averted Tuesday thanks to conservation by consumers, imported energy and power from wind plants, according to Cal-ISO.
Residents were being asked to use air conditioning early in the day and set thermostats no lower than 78 in the afternoon and evening hours, while avoiding the use of major appliances during the Flex Alert hours.
Photo: Getty Images