October heat wave prompts Los Angeles to open its cooling centers

The calendar may have just flipped to October but it still feels like summertime in Southern California.

The City of Los Angeles announced Tuesday that it is preparing for a heat wave to grip the region through at least Wednesday by opening its cooling centers at designated Recreation and Parks facilities from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

“The Los Angeles Public Library’s branches also serve as cooling centers during their regular business hours,” the Los Angeles Emergency Management Department stated.

Links to all cooling center information, including locations and hours, can be found at the EMD’s website .

Temperatures around the region are expected to be mostly in the mid-90s to lower 100s through Wednesday and possibly into Thursday, according to the National Weather Service .

Excessive heat warnings and heat advisories have been issued for much of Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties through at least Wednesday.

A red flag warning is also in place through 8 p.m. Thursday for parts of the San Gabriel Mountains and Highway 14 Corridor due to the hot and dry conditions combined with low humidity.

EMD officials urged residents to prepare for the hot weather by resting in shady areas or buildings with air conditioning and drinking plenty of water. If you must be outside, frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments and staying hydrated were recommended.

“Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency; anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location, and then immediately call 911,” the EMD stated.

The long-term forecast isn’t offering much relief either as above-average temperatures are expected to continue through the weekend and into next week.

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