LOS ANGELES (CNS) - An excessive heat warning scheduled to last through Thursday will go into effect in much of the Southland this morning, ushering in a four-day period of sweltering weather that will threaten to cause heat-related illnesses, especially among the very young and the elderly.
Daytime high temperatures will range from 85-92 degrees at the immediate coast to 92-100 degrees inland, with the hottest days expected to be Tuesday and Wednesday, according to a National Weather Service statement. Overnight low temperatures will offer little reprieve from the heat, ranging from 66-76 degrees.
The conditions will create “increased potential for serious heat- related illnesses, especially for the young and elderly, those performing outdoor activities, as well as those without access to air conditioning,” warned the statement. It will also create an increased potential for power outages because of the widespread use of air-conditioning.
Southern California residents were urged to take steps to protect themselves from the conditions, scheduling strenuous activities for the coolest part of the day -- in the morning or evening -- wearing lightweight and light- colored clothing and drinking plenty of water.
Forecasters also stressed that “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.” The warning also covers seniors.
The excessive heat warning will be in force along the L-A. County coast, in beach cities, metropolitan Los Angeles, Downtown L.A., and the Hollywood Hills; the San Gabriel, San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys; the San Gabriel and Santa Monica mountains; and inland Orange County, where highs will range from the mid 90s to 104.
Forecasters also warned of an elevated danger of fire, but no further south than Santa Barbara County.
Also in effect today is a high surf advisory scheduled to expire in L.A. County at 8 p.m. and in Orange County at 9 p.m.
In Orange County, forecasters expect surf of 5-8 feet along with occasional 10-foot sets.
The NWS forecast sunny weather in L.A. County today and highs of 83 degrees in Avalon and at LAX; 89 in Long Beach; 91 on Mount Wilson; 92 in Downtown L.A.; 97 in San Gabriel; 98 in Burbank; 99 in Pasadena; 103 in Saugus; 104 in Lancaster; and 105 in Palmdale and Woodland Hills.
Temperatures will continue rising this week but begin a slow cooling trend on Friday.
Sunny skies were also forecast in Orange County, along with highs of 79 in San Clemente; 81 in Newport Beach and Laguna Beach; 91 in Irvine; 93 in Anaheim; 94 in Fullerton; 95 in Mission Viejo; and 96 in Yorba Linda. As in L.A. County, a slow cooling trend will start Friday.
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