The worst of this week’s heat wave is heading to Southern California in the coming days.
Prophecy
Temperatures in the San Fernando Valley could reach between 110 and 115 degrees Wednesday through Friday, forecasters say. Burbank, Woodland Hills, Pasadena, Santa Clarita and Palm Springs could also see triple-digit temperatures. And in downtown Los Angeles, temperatures are expected to reach between 90 and 100 degrees.
Mike Wofford, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard, said temperatures in the mid- to upper 90s are also expected in Long Beach. Orange County is expected to remain in the mid-90s, and inland areas of San Diego County are expected to reach 102 degrees.
Triple-digit heat is expected elsewhere in the South. By Thursday, temperatures could reach 106 degrees in Santa Clarita and 118 degrees in Palm Springs. And temperatures in the Inland Empire could reach 112 degrees.
Warning
The weather service issued an extreme heat warning for much of Los Angeles County from 11 a.m. Wednesday to 8 p.m. Friday, warning of temperatures between 95 and 110 degrees.
Overnight temperatures in the 70s and 80s are expected to provide much relief from the heat.
According to the weather service, a heat advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. Thursday to 8 p.m. Friday for Los Angeles County beaches, Malibu Beach and Palos Verdes. Temperatures were expected to reach 95 degrees or higher, and residents were advised to stay away from the beaches.
Chronometer
Wednesday: 94 in downtown Los Angeles; 80 in Santa Barbara; 110 in Woodland Hills
Thursday: 97 in downtown Los Angeles; 82 in Santa Barbara; 113 in Woodland Hills
Friday: 95 in downtown Los Angeles; 82 in Santa Barbara; 111 in Woodland Hills
Saturday: 93 in downtown Los Angeles; 80 in Santa Barbara; 108 in Woodland Hills
Fire danger
Authorities also warn of an increased risk of fire in extreme heat.
There is a silver lining, however: Santa Ana winds do not bring with them extreme temperatures and reduce the risk of fast-moving, wind-driven wildfires.
Security
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced this week that hundreds of cooling centers will open across Los Angeles on Friday, including “climate stations” on Skid Row where people will have access to shade, seating and cold drinks.
Residents can find a list of cooling centers and “weather stations.” online.
Stay hydrated
Drinking more water than usual and drinking water before you feel thirsty will help you retain water. If you’re outside and sweating, the standard is to drink two to four glasses of water, or about 16 to 32 ounces, every hour.
Dr. Fausto Farfan, chief of emergency services at Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills Medical Center, also suggested adding electrolytes to water or drinking sports drinks to help replenish salt and minerals lost through sweat.
One way to make sure you’re sufficiently hydrated is to pay attention to your urine. If it’s dark yellow or brown, that’s a sign you need to drink more fluids.
“Generally, the rule of thumb is that if you’re well hydrated, your urine should be a light yellow color,” Farfan said. And if you’re urinating less than usual, it’s probably time to drink.
According to doctors, heat-related illnesses can range from sunburn and heat rash to more dangerous conditions like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Symptoms of heat stroke, the most serious heat-related illness, include a body temperature of 103 degrees or higher; rapid, pounding heartbeat; hot, red, dry, or clammy skin; headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; and loss of consciousness. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, see your doctor right away. In the meantime, the CDC recommends moving to a cooler location and lowering your body temperature with a cool washcloth or cold bath, but not eating anything.
According to the CDC, symptoms of heat exhaustion include profuse sweating; cool, pale, clammy skin; fast and slow heartbeats; nausea or vomiting; muscle cramps; fatigue or weakness; dizziness; headache; and loss of consciousness. If you have these symptoms, move to a cool place; remove your clothing; put cool, wet clothing on your body or take a cool shower; and boil water.
If you feel hungry, your symptoms get worse or last more than an hour, seek medical attention immediately.
Protecting the most vulnerable
Children, pets, the elderly, homeless people, pregnant people, and people with chronic health problems are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
Farfán said they will basically require the same guarantees as any other, but it is important to review them, “like a buddy system that will keep an eye on them if they don’t realize they are starting to overheat.”
If you notice that your pet is flushed, sweating profusely, having trouble moving, or showing other signs of heat-related illness, give him some water and take him somewhere cooler.
And never leave a child or pet in the car. Temperatures can rise quickly, even if the windows are cracked.
Stay informed
Angelenos can Register for extreme heat warnings through the city’s website. You can also check the weather forecast for your area at the National Weather Service. websiteand find weather clockWarnings and advisories for California and beyond from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. website.
Other tips to stay cool
- Eat foods with high water content, such as watermelon and cucumbers, but limit or avoid sugary drinks, alcohol and caffeine.
- Wear light-colored clothing and hats for protection.
- If possible, keep pets indoors. If you keep them outside, make sure they have plenty of shade and water.
- take a cold shower.
- If possible, avoid using stoves, ovens or other appliances that generate heat.
