Triple-digit temperatures that have been baking many parts of the SoCal were expected to peak, with Friday anticipated to be the hottest day of the extended heat wave.
"Well, today is the day -- the hottest day of the prolonger period of dangerously hot weather," according to a National Weather Service statement. "Make sure to limit time outdoors in the sun and stay hydrated to avoid any heat illness."
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Although Friday will be the peak of the heat wave, forecasters said the hotter-than-usual weather is still expected to persist into next week.
An excessive heat warning for the Golden State (5) and Antelope Valley (14) freeway corridors, the western San Gabriel Mountains and the Antelope Valley will be in effect through 6 p.m. Wednesday. Forecasters said much of that area could see temperatures of up to 116 degrees.
Another excessive heat warning will be in effect until 6 p.m. Monday in the Santa Clarita Valley, the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, Calabasas, San Fernando Valley and eastern San Gabriel Mountains, where temperatures up to 110 degrees are possible Friday. Through Monday, those areas could get as hot as 105 degrees, forecasters said.
The San Gabriel Valley will be under a less severe heat advisory until 6 p.m. Sunday, but temperatures there are still expected to reach as high as 105. The Palos Verdes Hills and the Los Angeles coastal area stretching into downtown will also be under a heat advisory, with temperatures reaching up to 95, according to the National Weather Service.
Friday's high in downtown Los Angeles was expected to be 93 degrees, before dropping into the upper 80s for the following few days. Van Nuys was in for a high of 104 on Friday, with Pasadena expected to reach 106, according to the NWS.
In the high desert, home of the hottest temperatures in Los Angeles County, Lancaster was expected to reach 114 degrees Friday and Saturday and 113 on Sunday.
Palmdale tied its record high for July 4 with a temperatures of 110 degrees Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. The record was originally set in 1973.
"Saturday's maximum temperatures will be similar to today's, though a few degrees cooler at the coasts and coastal valleys due to increasing onshore trends through the weekend," according to the NWS.
Orange County's forecast was more manageable, with Anaheim expected to hit 90 degrees Friday and Saturday.
As always during the summer, Southland beaches will offer the most relief, with most coastal areas expected to stay in the upper 70s.
The hot and dry weather was heightening fire danger as well, with a red flag warning in effect until at least 6 a.m. Saturday for the 5 Freeway corridor in northern L.A. County.
Forecasters said humidity levels in some areas could drop as low as 6% to 12%, combining with the heat and potential winds gusting from 25 to 40 mph, dramatically raising the risk of rapid wildfire spread if flames erupt.
"Friday and Saturday will be EXTREMELY HOT everywhere inland of the immediate coast (much hotter than Thursday). Make plans now on how you will stay cool," the NWS' Los Angeles office posted on X.
Authorities reminded the public to never leave pets or children inside vehicles on days that are even a little warmer than normal, as locked cars can turn into death traps in mere minutes.
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.
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 Monday. 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.; and
-- Jim Gilliam Recreation Center, 4000 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles.
City officials also noted that climate stations are available for the homeless on Skid Row, offering cold beverages, shade and seating. The stations are on Towne Street between Fifth and Sixth streets; and at San Pedro Street between Sixth and Seventh streets. Another station will be open by July 16 at Fifth and Maple streets.
The homeless can also visit the ReFresh Spot, 544 Towne Ave. The facility is open 24 hours a day, providing drinking water, restrooms, showers and laundry facilities.
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