A strong upper-level ridge of high pressure developing over Southern California will generate torrid temperatures starting Friday, raising fears of heat-related illnesses and wildfires, forecasters said Thursday.
Excessive heat warnings issued by the National Weather Service will be in effect in the San Gabriel mountains in Los Angeles County and the Antelope Valley from Friday morning through Sunday evening, and in the Santa Clarita, San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys from Saturday morning through Sunday evening.
Afternoon temperatures could top out at 114 in the Antelope Valley, 108 in the mountains, and 106 in the Santa Clarita, San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys, according to the NWS.
NWS forecasters said the humidity would make daytime temperatures seem even higher, that overnight temperatures will dip only down to the high 70s or low 80s, and that more excessive heat warnings may have to be issued early next week.
Along the coast, a strong but shallow marine layer is expected to linger at least through Friday, but "there is a chance, however, that some northerly flow will disrupt the marine layer over the weekend ... which would significantly warm up the coastal areas,'' according to a weather service statement.
The heat wave will raise serious health concerns, according to NWS forecasters.
"Children, the elderly and people with chronic ailments are the most susceptible to heat-related illness. Heat exhaustion, cramps or in extreme cases heat stroke can result from prolonged exposure to these conditions,'' warned an NWS advisory. "In addition, with very dry vegetation, fire danger will also be on the rise. Be extra cautious with outdoor activities that may result in fire ignitions.''
People who work or play outdoors during the heat wave should schedule frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned areas, according to the NWS.
"Heat stroke is an emergency - call 911,'' it urged.
An NWS advisory also reminded motorists never to leave children, the elderly or pets in closed vehicles even briefly, even with windows cracked open.
The NWS forecast highs today of 74 in Newport Beach; 76 in Avalon and at LAX; 86 in downtown L.A.; 87 in Long Beach; 88 on Mount Wilson; 93 in Anaheim and San Gabriel; 94 in Burbank; 95 in Pasadena; 99 in Woodland Hills; 100 in Saugus; 103 in Palmdale and 104 in Lancaster.
Temperatures will climb a few degrees Friday and again Saturday.
For those who need to move to a cooling center, click here for a complete listing:
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/docs/CoolingCtrs-6-3-13.pdf
The closest location is:
Westlake Village Library, 818-865-9230, 31220 W. Oak Crest Dr.
-- City News Service
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
