Dangerous triple-digit heat is making its way back to Southern California, prompting an excessive heat warning and elevated fire danger, officials said.
Residents across the region should expect extremely hot conditions from Friday through Monday, except for those who are near the ocean. The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning from 11 a.m. Friday, through 9 p.m. Monday.
The Santa Clarita, San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys are expected to see extremely high temperatures ranging between 102 and 109 degrees over the weekend. While some areas will get the hottest temperatures on Friday and Saturday, others will feel the scorching heat on Sunday and Monday.
The Inland Empire is expected to hit 109 on Friday and Saturday, the San Fernando Valley is forecast to peak on Sunday with 107 on Monday and inland Orange County will reach 102 on Saturday.
Coastal cities will be much cooler throughout the weekend and into next week with temperatures in the 80s.
With high temperatures in the forecast, officials are predicting an increase in electricity demand, primarily from residential air conditioning use.
A statewide Flex Alert was issued by the California Independent System Operator to be in effect Friday from 3 to 10 p.m. to help with energy conservation.
“Consumers are urged to conserve electricity, especially during the late afternoon and
early evening, when the grid is most stressed due to higher demand and solar energy
production falling,” the ISO news release stated. “Consumers are also asked to turn off unnecessary lights, use major appliances before 3 p.m. and after 10 p.m., and set air conditioner thermostats to 78
degrees or higher.”
Because of the extreme heat, the weather service said the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities, is extremely elevated. Everyone is encouraged to stay out of the sun, stay in an air-conditioned room and drink plenty of fluids. People should also check up on relatives and neighbors.
As a reminder, the NWS also said pets and children should never be left unattended in a vehicle.
The heat wave is also expected to elevate fire risk. Currently, hundreds of firefighters are trying to get control of the massive Lake Fire in the Angeles National Forest, which has scorched 10,500 acres and does not yet have any containment.
