Stifling Temperatures Sear The Southland
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Temperatures reached triple digits in much of the San Fernando Valley and 92 in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday, but forecasters predict slightly lower afternoon temperatures for Friday.
The soaring temperatures were much higher than expected for this time of year, the result of a strong high-pressure system forecast that will continue into next week, according to the National Weather Service.
The system will shift east a bit Friday to slightly lower heights and thickness, which will cool afternoon temperatures "just a bit," but they will remain above normal.
So, which residents endured the worst of the heat? Residents in Acton saw the highest temperatures, where the thermostat reached up to 108, one degree warmer than Palmdale.
The high reached 106 in Lancaster and Saugus, 105 in Chatsworth and Woodland Hills, 103 in Pomona, Northridge and Van Nuys, 101 in Pasadena, 98 in Burbank, 96 in San Gabriel and Sandberg, 93 at the Long Beach Airport and 92 in downtown Los Angeles and Mount Wilson.
The high temperatures prompted Jonathan Fielding, Los Angeles County's public health director to warn the public that "extreme heat such as this is not just an inconvenience; it can be dangerous and even deadly.
"Everyone should remember to take special care of themselves, children, the elderly and their pets," Fielding said.
Among the warnings issued by the Department of Public Health was to never leave children or pets in parked vehicles, even if the windows are open or cracked. Interior temperatures can quickly rise well beyond the ambient temperature.
Jan Selder, director of field operations for Los Angeles Animal Services, said the department receives many calls about animals with heat stroke after leaving them in cars.
"You just stop at Starbucks for five minutes to get coffee, but that's enough to make your animal very sick," Selder said.
Dog walking should be done in the morning or evening.
"Don't go for hikes or play really hard in the middle of the day. It's too much exertion for the dog," Selder said.
County health officials urged people planning to take part in outdoor activities to be prepared for the heat. A list of available cooling centers in L.A. County is posted online. Cooling centers in Riverside County are also available and listed here.
County officials urged people working or exercising outdoors to drink plenty of water and avoid sweetened drinks, caffeine and alcohol, take frequent rests, and to watch for signs of dehydration, such as dizziness, fatigue, headaches and muscle cramps.
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