LOS ANGELES (CNS) - High heat and an elevated risk of wildfire will plague the Southland at least one more day today, according to the National Weather Service.
A heat advisory will be in effect until 8 tonight in inland Orange County, the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and San Gabriel valleys, the San Gabriel and Santa Monica mountains, the L.A. County coastal zone, which consists of beach cities Malibu, Santa Monica and Long Beach, plus Beverly Hills, metropolitan L.A., Hollywood and the Hollywood Hills.
“Hot temperatures may cause heat-related illnesses to occur,'' warned an NWS statement. “Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.''
The weather service also stressed that children, seniors and pets should never be left unattended in parked vehicles, even with windows open, since vehicle interior temperatures can quickly rise to lethal levels.
The NWS also urged area residents to “take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.'' Also, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and take frequent rest breaks to avoid heat stroke.
No red flag warnings were in effect today south of Ventura County's Los Padres National Forest, but with low humidity creating very dry conditions to accompany the high heat, the NWS said an elevated danger of wildfire will persist through the day, although Saturday and Sunday will be cooler.
Several of Thursday's highs set or matched heat records for an October 1, according to the NWS. The 101 in Downtown L.A. broke the record of 100 set in 2008; the 100 in Lancaster broke the record 99 set in 2012; the 100 in Palmdale tied the record set in 1980; and the 92 at Sandberg tied the record set in 2012.
The NWS forecast hazy skies in L.A. County today and highs of 83 at LAX; 85 in Avalon; 88 on Mount Wilson; 95 in Downtown L.A.; 96 in Long Beach; 99 in San Gabriel; 100 in Pasadena and Palmdale; 101 in Burbank and Lancaster; 102 in Saugus; and 106 in Woodland Hills. Saturday's highs will be up to eight degrees lower in some communities and the same as today's in others, but Sunday's will fall further and out of triple-digit territory. By Thursday, the highest temperature will be 90 -- in Woodland Hills and Palmdale.
Sunny skies were forecast in Orange County along with highs of 84 in San Clemente; 85 in Newport Beach; 86 in Laguna Beach; 88 on Santiago Peak; 96 on Ortega Highway at 2,600 feet and at Fremont Canyon; 98 in Yorba Linda; 99 in Irvine; 100 in Mission Viejo and at Trabuco Canyon; and 101 in Fullerton, Anaheim and at Trabuco Canyon. Highs will be a few degrees lower Saturday and a few more Sunday. By Thursday, highs will be in the 70s and 80s.
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