A record-breaking heat wave continues to bake the Antelope Valley and other parts of Los Angeles County, with temperatures expected to peak on Wednesday. Lancaster and Palmdale have already broken their records for the most consecutive days over 110 degrees, reaching six days on Tuesday and are expected to extend that record to seven days on Wednesday. The National Weather Service forecasts Lancaster to reach 112 degrees and Palmdale 110 degrees. An excessive heat warning remains in effect until at least 9 p.m. Saturday for the Antelope Valley, Interstate 5 corridor, western San Gabriel Mountains, and Highway 14 corridor. A similar warning is in place until 9 p.m. Thursday for the Santa Clarita Valley, Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, Calabasas and Agoura Hills, Valencia, East Los Angeles, San Gabriel Valley, and several areas of the San Fernando Valley including Burbank and Topanga.
The extreme heat poses a significant fire risk due to high temperatures and low humidity, creating conditions conducive to fast-moving wildfires. Downtown Los Angeles is expected to reach 91 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday before cooling slightly to 88 degrees on Friday and 86 degrees on Saturday. The San Gabriel Valley will also experience scorching temperatures, with Pasadena reaching 96 degrees on Wednesday and 95 degrees on Thursday. In Orange County, Anaheim will reach 91 degrees on Wednesday, 89 degrees on Thursday, and 87 degrees on Friday. Coastal areas offer some respite, with most beaches expected to remain in the mid-to-upper 70s.
A slight cooling trend is anticipated starting Friday as the high-pressure system moves eastward and a weak trough develops along the coast. While temperatures are expected to fall by 2 to 5 degrees across the region, the Antelope Valley will remain up to 5 degrees above normal. Authorities are reminding the public to never leave pets or children inside vehicles, even on days with slightly warmer temperatures, as locked cars can quickly become deadly.
Both the city and county of Los Angeles are operating cooling centers for residents seeking relief from the heat. To locate a cooling center, visit ready.lacounty.gov/heat/ or call 211. The city of Los Angeles has four “augmented” cooling centers operating from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. through at least Thursday. These centers are located at: Fred Roberts Recreation Center, Mid Valley Senior Center, Lake View Terrace Recreation Center, and Jim Gilliam Recreation Center.
City officials have also established climate stations for the homeless on Skid Row, providing cold beverages, shade, and seating. These stations are located on Towne Street between Fifth and Sixth streets and San Pedro Street between Sixth and Seventh streets. An additional station is scheduled to open by July 16 at Fifth and Maple streets. The homeless can also utilize the ReFresh Spot, which offers 24-hour access to drinking water, restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities.
Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis emphasized the importance of taking care of oneself and extending support to those in need during the heatwave. He stressed the vulnerability of elderly, unwell, pregnant women, children, and those living alone to heat-related illnesses. He urged residents to stay hydrated, seek cool environments, and check on vulnerable family members and neighbors to ensure their safety and well-being. Dr. Davis emphasized that hot days are not just uncomfortable but can be dangerous, and taking preventive measures can protect individuals and their loved ones.
