LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The region's second heat wave of 2020 entered its second day today, threatening temperatures approaching triple-digit territory.
A heat advisory will be in effect from 10 a.m. today until 9 p.m. Thursday in the Los Angeles coastal zone -- including beach cities, metropolitan Los Angeles, Downtown L.A., and the Hollywood Hills; Beverly Hills; Long Beach; the Santa Mountains Recreational Area; the San Gabriel, San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys; Pomona; and inland Orange County.
Temperatures of between 85 and 90 degrees are expected near the coast and between 90 and 100 inland, with the valleys of Los Angeles and Ventura counties expected to be the hottest areas. Forecasters said Thursday would be even hotter.
“Hot temperatures could linger well into the evening and some areas may not drop below 70 degrees overnight,” warned the NWS.
“Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency.”
Also expected are strong winds, with a wind advisory in effect until 9 a.m. today in the San Gabriel Mountains, where forecasters expect north winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour along with gusts of 50 mph.
“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects and make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. This includes Highway 33 in Ventura County as well as Interstate 5 in Los Angeles County,” according to the NWS. “Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high- profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.”
Los Angeles County will open eight cooling centers around the area today to give residents who need it a place to escape the heat wave.
The centers will be open from noon to 6 p.m. today and Thursday, and they will “operate in compliance with physical distancing and other safety criteria” due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The county cooling centers are located at in East Los Angeles, Azusa, Florence-Firestone, Sylmar, South Whittier, Altadena, Sun Village, and Burbank. A list of cooling center locations is available at ready.lacounty.gov/heat, or by calling 211.
The NWS forecast sunny skies in L.A. County and highs of 82 in Avalon and on Mount Wilson; 87 at LAX; 89 in Palmdale; 90 in Lancaster; 93 in Pasadena and Long Beach; 94 in San Gabriel; 95 in Downtown L.A.; 96 in Burbank ad Saugus; and 99 in Woodland Hills.
Sunny skies were forecast in Orange County, along with highs of 77 on Santiago Peak; 78 in Newport Beach and San Clemente; 79 in Laguna Beach; 84 on Ortega Highway at 2,600 feet; 87 at Fremont Canyon; 91 in |Irvine; 92 in Fullerton and at Trabuco Canyon; and 93 in Mission Viejo, Yorba Linda and Anaheim.
Temperatures will mostly retreat to the 70s and 80s in L.A. and Orange counties on Friday.
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