Heatwave Cooks Pasadena But End Is In Sight

LOS ANGELES, CA — An excessive heat warning is in force today throughout Los Angeles County, where temperatures are forecast to reach triple-digit territory in several communities, but the heat wave is coming to an end, forecasters said.

The warning is scheduled to be in force until 8 p.m. in the San Gabriel and Santa Monica mountains; the San Fernando, Santa Clarita, San Gabriel and Antelope Valleys; and the L.A. coastal zone, which consists of beach cities, metropolitan L.A., the Downtown area and the Hollywood Hills. On Santa Catalina Island, a slightly less serious heat advisory was in effect, also until 8 p.m.

The above-normal temperatures plaguing the Southland create an ``increased potential for serious heat-related illnesses, especially for the young and elderly, those performing outdoor activities, as well as those without access to air conditioning,'' according to the National Weather Service, which also warned of the possibility of power outages.

Todays temperatures will be 12 degrees above normal in Downtown L.A. and 10 degrees too high in Woodland Hills, said National Weather Service weather specialist Bonnie Bartling, adding that by Friday, the heat wave can be regarded as over.

In the meantime, the weather service and law enforcement caution that those who work outdoors should avoid the midday sun, wear light, loose-fitting clothing and drink plenty of water.

Avoid leaving senior citizens and kids at home without air conditioning, if possible. And never leave a child, a senior or a pet in a parked vehicle, even with windows cracked open, because interior temperatures in vehicles parked in the heat quickly can turn lethal.

Along the L.A County coast, a high surf advisory will be in effect from 1 this afternoon until midnight Saturday.

NWS forecasters said surf will build this afternoon through tonight, peaking at 5-8 feet Friday through Saturday before slowly subsiding late Saturday.

Also expected are sneaker waves and ``strong and frequent'' rip currents.

``Minor coastal flooding will be possible during times of highest tide on low-lying south- and southeast-facing beach walkways and parking lots,'' according to an NWS statement, which reported that high tides of between 7 and 7.5 feet are expected at Los Angeles Harbor this evening at 7:19 p.m., Friday evening at 8:07 p.m. and Saturday evening at 8:54 pm.

``Minor coastal flooding is possible over low-lying coastal areas such as beach parking lots and harbor walkways. No significant damage is expected. Dangerous rip currents and powerful breaking waves are likely,'' according to the statement.

``A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area, producing localized beach erosion and dangerous swimming conditions,'' the statement warned. ``Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.''

In Orange County, a beach hazards statement, which is slightly less serious than a high surf advisory, will be in force from this evening though Saturday evening.

The NWS said areas of Orange County susceptible to flooding during high tides include Seal Beach, Sunset Beach, Newport Beach, and Balboa Beach.

As in L.A. County, ``dangerous rip currents and powerful breaking waves are likely'' and ``minor coastal flooding is possible over low-lying coastal areas such as beach parking lots and harbor walkways'' but ``no significant damage is expected.''

The NWS forecast sunny skies in L.A. County today and highs of 88 degrees in Avalon; 91 at LAX; 94 in Long Beach and on Mount Wilson; 96 in Downtown L.A.; 99 in San Gabriel; 101 in Pasadena and Burbank; 104 in Saugus; and 107 in Woodland Hills, Palmdale and Lancaster. Temperatures will decline by up to seven degrees Friday but remain mostly in the 90s through at least Wednesday.

In Orange County, every community monitored by the NWS was forecast to have smoke as a result of the Holy Fire. Highs will be 85 in San Clemente; 86 in Newport Beach and Laguna Beach; 94 in Anaheim; 95 in Irvine; and 97 in Yorba Linda, Fullerton and Mission Viejo. Temperatures will go down by as much as five degrees Friday, then remain mostly in the 90s through at least Wednesday.
City News Service