Heat Rising in Southland Inland with Cooler Coastal Temperatures

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - An excessive heat warning and the chance of thunderstorms are in the forecast for parts of Los Angeles County Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Temperatures are expected to be between 100 and 110 degrees in the Antelope Valley and San Gabriel mountain communities with a 10% to 15% chance of thunderstorms. The excessive heat warning is in effect until 10 p.m. Thursday in the Antelope Valley and San Gabriel mountains. The lows in those areas will be from 72 to 82.

During the morning hours there will be low clouds and areas of dense fog, especially near coastal areas, forecasters said.

"There is a high risk for dangerous heat illness for anyone, especially for the very young, the very old, those without air conditioning, and those active outdoors," forecasters said.

Mountain temperatures could reach up to 98 degrees, according to the NWS. But the excessive heat watch will then take effect for the area and continue until Wednesday evening, with highs possible up to 103 degrees.

According to the NWS, some of the expected high temperatures were tamped down by a marine layer that "has refused to budge and remains at around 1,200 feet."

"This is creating a significant moderating effect for the coastal valleys and highs there, while warmer than yesterday, should only top out in the 90s to lower 100s," forecasters said. "Still 4-8 degrees above normal but not really worthy of any heat hazards. Higher up in elevation above the marine layer, including the Santa Monicas, and farther inland across the interior temperatures are still quite hot and a mix of heat advisories and warnings are still in effect.

"Some additional warming is expected across Antelope Valley, though chances for reaching 110 are under 10% at least through early next week."

The city and county of Los Angeles both operate cooling centers for people who need a place to escape the heat. To find a location, visit ready.lacounty.gov/heat/ or call 211. Information on city spots to keep cool is available at www.laparks.org/reccenter and www.lapl.org/branches, and by calling 311.

The city of Los Angeles is operating four "augmented" cooling centers that will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. through at least Wednesday. The centers are located at:

-- Fred Roberts Recreation Center, 4700 Honduras St., Los Angeles;

-- Mid Valley Senior Center, 8825 Kester Ave., Panorama City;

-- Lake View Terrace Recreation Center, 11075 Foothill Blvd.;

-- Jim Gilliam Recreation Center, 4000 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles; and

-- Lincoln Heights Senior Center, 2323 Workman St.