Record-Breaking Heat Headed For Southern California This Weekend
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Enjoy the June gloom while you can – temperatures are headed up this week, with triple-digits expected this weekend.
This weekend's hot weather will be accompanied by high surf expected on south- and southwest-facing beaches Wednesday and Thursday and strong rip currents that may persist through Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
In Los Angeles and Orange counties, a beach hazard statement will be in effect from 6 a.m. until late Tuesday night, and a more serious high surf advisory will be in force from 6 a.m. Wednesday until 10 p.m. Thursday.
Waves of between 3 and 5 feet are expected along the coast Tuesday, increasing to between 4 and 7 feet Wednesday into Thursday, according to the NWS.
"There is an increased risk of ocean drowning," an NWS statement said. "Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Sneaker waves can suddenly wash people off of beaches and rock jetties. The combination of surf and high tides could generate minor beach erosion and minor flooding of coastal walkways."
The statement reminded people caught in a rip current to swim parallel to shore until able to break free.
Temperatures, meanwhile, were forecast to rise sharply across the region this week. Sunday and Monday could see record-breaking heat, according to an NWS statement.
Highs in the 90s are expected in most L.A. County valley areas Saturday, although the Antelope Valley will reach the 100s.
"The combination of strong high pressure aloft and weak offshore winds will cause high temperatures to range between 100 to 110 across the Los Angeles and Ventura county valleys, lower mountain elevations and the Antelope Valley," said the statement.
"Parts of the western San Fernando Valley may even approach 115 degrees on Monday," and downtown L.A. could reach 100 Sunday and Monday, it said.
The weather service urged area residents to begin planning how they will cope with the heat starting this weekend and going into next week. Forecasters urged people to stay hydrated, avoid being outside during the warmest part of the day, provide water and shelter for animals and check on family, friends, neighbors and animals.
Outside workers were recommended to work with a buddy and take frequent breaks and forecasters issued a strong reminder to never leave children, pets or the elderly unattended in vehicles, even with windows down.
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