​SoCal Heat Wave To Continue Through Next Weekend

LOS ANGELES — Sweltering, potentially record setting temperatures are expected to continue through most of this week, the National Weather Service said Sunday.

Sunday's forecast highlighted three projected outcomes:
-- heat will continue, with excessive heat likely for the valleys, mountains, and deserts;
-- elevated fire weather conditions away from the coast will continue through the week due to hot and dry conditions;
-- any brush fires will have considerable growth potential in the interior valleys, mountains and deserts.

Monsoonal moisture will bring some clouds to the area through Monday with a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms Sunday over the mountains and deserts, forecasters said.

"Happy Sunday southern California! Temperatures are down but humidities are up. All remaining heat warnings have been cancelled for now, however please avoid strenuous activity during the hotter parts of the day," the NWS' Los Angeles office tweeted around midday Sunday.

"With increasing humidities from monsoon moisture moving into southwest California, there is a 5-10% chance of a light shower today across Los Angeles County," the NWS added. "And a 15-20 percent chance of a thunderstorm over the mountains. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!

"With slight chance of thunderstorms this afternoon/evening across the mountains, there will be the risk for isolated dry lightning strikes and gusty downdraft winds with any storms that do form."

More triple-digit heat was expected in the Antelope Valley on Sunday, and in parts of the Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valley throughout the week, peaking Tuesday.

On Saturday, triple-digit temperatures in Palmdale and Lancaster set new records for heat on July 22, each at 109 degrees — breaking records from 1953 and 2006, respectively.
According to the NWS, excessive heat is the No. 1 cause of weather- related fatalities in the United States.

"Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat- related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities," NWS forecasters warned. "... Be prepared to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances."

As has been the case in recent days, the coast will be the place to be, even though temperatures there will still be slightly above normal.

Cooling centers are available across Los Angeles for those with no access to air conditioning. Angelenos can find a nearby cooling spot using the city's Cool Spots LA App.

Most centers are served by one or more LA Department of Transportation Dash and Metro bus lines. Details are available at https://emergency.lacity.gov.

Information on Los Angeles County cooling centers can be found here.

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