Heat wave brings triple digit temperatures, fire danger for second-straight day
A lasting heat wave brought yet another day of triple digit temperatures and a series of heat advisories throughout the Southland.
Monday was expected to be the hottest day of the week, causing the National Weather Service to issue the advisories through 8 p.m. in the Santa Clarita, San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys.
The advisory comes on the heels of a scorching Sunday, where places like Reseda (106 degrees) and West Hills (105 degrees) neared 110 degree weather two months earlier than similar temperatures traditionally descend on the area.
Angelenos can expect a high of 93 degrees, while those in Pasadena and Burbank were warned of 102 degree temps.
Inland Empire and Orange County regions could expect much of the same with highs of 99 expected in regions like Temecula and Murrieta, while Anaheim residents could experience up to 95 degrees.
Large crowds are expected at the beach, where temperatures are a much more pleasant 77, which is still nearly five degrees hotter than Sunday's highs.
Officials are warning residents to remain vigilant and hydrated.
"Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities," said the NWS. "Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes."
The UV Index sits at a 12, meaning that people could experience sunburn in as little as 10 minutes of exposure to the sun, so NWS officials recommended sticking to the shade, wearing hats, sunglasses and a large amount of sunscreen.
Pet owners were warned against walking dogs even in the early morning as asphalt and concrete temperatures emit a much higher heat, which could burn their paws and cause injury.
Per usual, heat waves like this cause Southern Californian fire departments to remain on high alert with the heightened fire dangers, especially as winds move through the area, pushing the high pressure system causing the hot weather away from the Southland.
"Wildfire danger is ever prevalent," said Los Angeles Fire Department Captain Erik Scott. "The drought is exasperating this problem. It makes all of the light grass or 'flashy fuel' very susceptible to a spark."
These concerns come in the wake of a recent brushfire that erupted in Jurupa Valley over the weekend, scorching more than 100 acres, which prompted several mandatory evacuations.
"The heat will be a distant memory by the weekend as the trough and deepening marine layer will support near-normal temperatures," according to the NWS. "Gusty winds will gradually return to interior areas."
Forecasters said some areas will see a 20-degree drop in temperature between Tuesday and Thursday, with highs returning mostly to the 70s and 80s, except for traditionally warmer valley and interior areas. They noted that conditions will remain very dry, keeping the fire danger high even without gusty winds in the forecast.
They're even more concerned with the approaching Fourth of July holiday weekend, when thousands of Angelenos usually manage to get their hands on fireworks -- despite being illegal.
in Santa Clarita, the city council, Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Daryl Osby, Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station Captain Justin Diez and the Grossman Burn Center held a press conference on the realities of how dangerous fireworks really can be, staging a series of explosions and displays on how quickly fire can spread, even from a sparkler.
"The thing about fireworks is they're totally unpredictable," said Dr. Matt Young with the Grossman Burn Center. "They can go off at the wrong time, they can go off in the wrong direction."
At such a time, when fire danger is so elevated, firefighters warn the public it isn't worth the risk and to do your best to visit a sanctioned and professionally run shows. They also indicated that every year more than 10,000 Americans are injured by fireworks.
They advised that anyone looking for a safe place to watch a fireworks show can contact the Fireworks Hotline at (888) 654-FIRE (3474), or the department's website, which will have a list available to the public starting Wednesday.
