Extreme heat warning issued as weather officials warn of historic temperatures across Southern California
An extreme heat warning has been issued across Southern California as weather officials warn of historic temperatures all week.
The significant heat wave is expected to peak on Tuesday and remain through Friday for most areas. There is a high risk for heat-related illnesses, including stroke and exhaustion.
"The heat event this week is forecast to be a historic March event, likely breaking many daily and even monthly temperature records," the National Weather Service says.
A CBS LA Next Weather Alert will go into effect on Monday for the valleys and the Inland Empire for the prolonged period of heat. An alert will go into effect for the deserts, mountains and coast on Tuesday. Meteorologist Amber Lee says temperatures will be between 20 and 35 degrees above average.
Temperatures on Monday are expected to climb into the 80s and mid 90s for all areas. By Tuesday and Wednesday, they will rise into the mid 90s to low 100s.
An NWS heat advisory will go into effect at 10 a.m. on Monday and will remain in effect until 10 a.m. on Tuesday. An extreme heat warning will go into effect at 10 a.m. on Tuesday and remain in effect until 8 p.m. on Friday as temperatures are forecasted to be between 96 and 104 degrees.
Weather officials are urging the public to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, limit outdoor activities and stay out of the sun.
At a news conference on Monday afternoon, LA County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone said the heat event is not expected to be accompanied by strong winds, which are usually a factor in fast-growing wildfires. He added that NWS has not issued any red flag warnings, fire weather watches, or wind advisories.
Marrone said the main concern of the heat will be the impact it has on people.
"It's critical that we all take precautions to protect ourselves, our families, and our neighbors," said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda Solis.
Officials reminded the public to never leave young children or pets inside a locked car in the sun.
Cooling centers in Southern California
There are cooling centers across the region that are open to the public. The centers offer air-conditioned spaces, water and information about heat-related illnesses.
Solis said LA County also offers teen centers, where students can do homework, participate in activities, and enjoy dinner through a free meal program. The centers are open from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at participating LA County parks and recreational areas.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said hundreds of city facilities, including libraries and recreation centers, are available for Angelenos to stay cool, some with extended hours. "Do not hesitate -- get indoors and into air conditioning and protect yourself," Bass said
Los Angeles County cooling centers
Riverside County cooling centers
San Bernardino County cooling centers
Ventura County cooling centers
Temperature highs for the next 7 days
LA and OC Metro areas
- Monday: 92
- Tuesday: 97
- Wednesday: 96
- Thursday: 98
- Friday: 97
- Saturday: 94
- Sunday: 88
Valleys
- Monday: 95
- Tuesday: 99
- Wednesday: 99
- Thursday: 99
- Friday: 100
- Saturday: 97
- Sunday: 87
Inland Empire
- Monday: 96
- Tuesday: 101
- Wednesday: 101
- Thursday: 101
- Friday: 101
- Saturday: 97
- Sunday: 91
