Antelope Valley, Inland Empire to See Triple Digit Temps as Weekend Heat Wave, Smog Hit SoCal

Temperatures will reach the triple digits across a large swath of Southern California with a heat wave expected to peak Saturday afternoon and a smog warning in effect through early next week. The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory effective through 8 p.m. Sunday. The Antelope Valley could see maximum temperatures between 105 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit, while the Inland Empire could experience highs from the 90s to 105 degrees, according to forecasters. Meanwhile, highs from the 80s to 105 degrees could hit the mountains and foothills. For coastal communities, maximum temperatures in the 70s and 80s are in the forecast. The National Weather Service expect the following afternoon highs on Saturday:

• Los Angeles: 87
• Pasadena: 98
• Long Beach: 87
• Woodland Hills: 103
• Malibu: 75
• Lancaster: 106
• Santa Clarita: 102
• Fillmore: 93
• Ventura: 79
• Lancaster: 106

Forecasters reminded the public not to leave children and pets in an enclosed car and to take other precautions to beat the heat. While CalFire does not expect elevated fire danger over the weekend due to a lack of strong winds, according to the Los Angeles Times, National Weather Service meteorologist Kristen Stewart said there’s still a high risk of wildfires due to the scorching temperatures, low humidity and local gusts in the Antelope Valley. Air quality officials also warned about smog reaching “Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy” levels, issuing an advisory effective through Tuesday morning for the Santa Clarita Valley, the San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains, the San Fernando and the San Gabriel valleys and the Inland Empire. “Unhealthy” levels mean sensitive groups may experience more serious health issues, while others in the area may feel  some adverse effects. “People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion,” the South Coast Air Quality Management District said in a statement. “Very Unhealthy” levels can mean serious health effects for everyone, and those with heart or lung disease, older adults and minors should avoid all physical outdoor activities. Others should steer clear of extended or heavy exertion, according SCAQMD.