Prolonged heatwave headed to SoCal

A long heatwave is rolling into Southern California.

“We're going to really launch into a dangerous and prolonged heat wave,” Andrew Rourke, a senior forecaster with the National Weather Service, told KNX News’ Jon Baird. “Today is going to be pretty nice normal temperatures, but starting tomorrow, a very warm, normal high pressure is going to move over the state.”

An excessive heat warning will be in effect from 11 a.m. Tuesday through Monday, July 8th at 5 a.m.“with temperatures up to 100 to 110 expected, and upwards of 105 to 115 expected over interior valleys and foothills including the Antelope Valley,” according to the National Weather Service.

Rourke also added that Friday, July 5, will be the hottest day with temperatures in the triple digits in some of the valleys, and that those temperatures will be 12 to 18 degrees higher than usual.

With the high temperatures come concerns of wildfires. Rourke said the winter delayed fire season by about six weeks.

“A lot of grass has grown up and now it's drying out or it has dried out, especially like the AMMO Valley, where, we're seeing many grass fires So, yes…fuels are ripe for fire starts here,” he said. “So, just a quick shout out for everyone to be very careful with fireworks on July 4th because we just don't need a big fire firestorm.”

Residents are also urged to drink plenty of fluids, limit outdoor activites, stay in an air-conditioned room, and check on those who are vulnerable to to the heat.

For information on cooling centers in L.A. and L.A. County,  visit https://ready.lacounty.gov/heat/ or call 211.

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