Record-breaking heat scorches California ahead of World Series Game 1
LOS ANGELES -- Southern California is scorching again Tuesday, with no relief from the heat even at the coasts, CBS Los Angeles reports. Meanwhile, firefighters in the area are taking preventive measures to try to stop fires from breaking out.
The city of Ventura is expected to hit 103, while Long Beach will roast under triple digits for a second day in a row.
Excessive heat warnings and wind advisories have given way to red flag warnings, indicating extreme fire danger, throughout much of Southern California through at least 6 p.m. Wednesday.
In the city of Los Angeles, red flag parking restrictions were imposed by the Los Angeles Fire Department on hilly, narrow streets for the first time in three years. The restrictions went into effect at 8 a.m. and will remain in place for 24 hours to allow emergency vehicles to navigate narrow streets in case of a fire.
Vehicles parked illegally in posted locations in "very high fire hazard severity zones" will be subject to towing, according to the LAFD.
Fire outbreaks are a particular concern as gusty Santa Ana winds can whip them into infernos.
The Associated Press reports crews jumped on at least three fires Tuesday morning along the northern edge of the city where gusts are whipping through nearby mountains.
About 50 miles to the east, Riverside County firefighters aided by water-dropping helicopters are fighting a fire that erupted in a lumber yard and spread over five acres in Jurupa Valley, according to the AP.
Several temperature records were broken Monday, including in Fullerton, which was the hottest spot in Southern California at 107 degrees.
More record-breaking heat is expected Tuesday -- which also happens to be Opening Day of the World Series at Dodger Stadium. Game One between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Houston Astros is expected to be the hottest on record, surpassing the previous record of 94 degrees for the opening pitch in Phoenix in 2001.
Temperatures in usually-mild Long Beach reached 105 degrees Monday, and are expected to hit 104 Tuesday. Long Beach schools, most of which do not have air conditioning in classrooms, will be on a minimum day schedule Tuesday due to the heat.
Residents were advised to avoid exercising outdoors in the heat of the day, drink plenty of water, wear light, loose fitting clothes, and avoid leaving people or pets in parked cars, even with the windows cracked.
A cooling trend will get underway Wednesday, though temperatures in some communities will remain in the 90s and low 100s.
