LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Southland temperatures will climb this weekend amid an influx of monsoonal moisture, a heightened threat of wildfires, and an increased risk of heat-related illnesses, National Weather Service (NWS) forecasters predict.
“Very hot temperatures with elevated fire danger is expected for interior portions of southwest California this weekend,” according to an NWS statement on July 12.
It said there is a slight chance of thunderstorms across the San Gabriel Mountains and the Antelope Valley, “which will enhance the fire weather threat over these areas.”
The NWS warned that triple-digit temperatures are expected in mountain and valley areas of Los Angeles County and that they’ll decline only to the 70s and 80s during the night.
“The hot temperatures will bring the potential for high heat risk to portions of the lower mountains this weekend,” warned the NWS statement, adding that an excessive heat warning may have to be issued, although forecasters rated the chances of that happening as low.
“People should plan to reduce time in the sun during peak heating hours this weekend and drink additional water to keep hydrated.”
Downtown L.A. is expected to reach highs of 87 degrees on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, according to an NWS forecast. Pasadena, San Gabriel and Burbank will experience highs of around 95 Saturday, Sunday and Monday while Woodland Hills hovers around 102 and Lancaster reaches 106 — about 5 degrees above normal.
While temperatures will be on the high side, this weekend’s weather is still not expected to reach heat wave levels, as was the case last weekend, said NWS meteorologist Dave Bruno.
The NWS also warned of strong ocean rip currents at beaches.
“There is an increased of ocean drowning, especially with more people seeking relief from hot inland temperatures,” the statement said, adding that rip currents can “yank swimmers and surfers out to sea, large breaking waves can wash people off beaches and rocks and capsize small boats near shore.”
Forecasters urged beachgoers caught in a rip current to remain parallel to the shore until able to break free.
Forecasters blame the high surf on a moderately long period southerly swell generated by former Hurricane Eugene, which later turned into a tropical storm off the coast of Baja California.