LOS ANGELES (CNS) - While the returning marine layer is cooling things down along the coast, slightly elevated temperatures are expected tocontinue today in some valley, mountain and desert areas, coupling with breezy and dry conditions to raise concerns about wildfires.
“Hot temperatures and low humidities in the teens and low 20s will persist for the interior valleys, mountains and deserts ... and continue for the far interior valleys, mountains and deserts on Wednesday,'' according to the National Weather Service.
“Breezy to gusty south to west winds can also be expected in these areas each afternoon and evening. These conditions will keep elevated fire weather conditions over these areas through Wednesday.''
Forecasters also said monsoon moisture will create the potential for isolated thunderstorms in Los Angeles County mountains and the Antelope Valley Wednesday afternoon.
“Isolated thunderstorms cannot be ruled out for the Los Angeles County valleys especially closer to the foothills,'' according to the NWS. “Steering winds aloft are expected to be quite light, meaning any storms that do form will likely be very slow moving, leading to an increased risk of flash flooding.
“However, despite the increased moisture and slow storm movement, there is still a possibility of dry lightning strikes developing during storm development or outside the rain core, creating the potential for lightning-sparked fires. This will contribute to the elevated fire weather conditions each day.''
Temperatures are expected in the 80s to 90s in most valley areas, with triple-digits possible in the Antelope Valley and mountain areas.
“Most areas will be a few degrees cooler on Wednesday with some slight warming Thursday and Friday,'' the weather service said. “Essentially, temperatures for most areas will hover a few degrees above normal.''
In response to the forecast, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health extended a heat alert through Friday in the Antelope Valley and through Tuesday in the Santa Clarita Valley, western San Fernando Valley and eastern San Gabriel Valley.
The agency urged residents to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and light clothing and beware of symptoms of heat stroke, such as high body temperature, vomiting and pale/clammy skin. Health officials also urged people to check on people who may be at higher risk, such as those who are sick, older, pregnant or live alone.
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