115°F Scorcher in SoCal! Record Heat and Fog Wreak Havoc This Week

Photo byNational Weather Service

Southern California braces for major heat risks inland and dense fog along the coast, as temperatures soar up to 115°F and visibility drops to near zero.

Excessive Heat Warnings and Dense Fog Expected Across Southern California

SAN DIEGO — Issued by the National Weather Service at 8:28 PM PDT on September 30, 2024.

Inland Areas Face Major HeatRisk While Coastal Fog Reduces Visibility

As Southern California enters a prolonged heat wave, the National Weather Service has issued Excessive Heat Warnings for the Coachella Valley and San Diego County Deserts starting Tuesday and continuing through Thursday. Meanwhile, dense fog along the coast threatens to reduce visibility to less than 1/4 mile, particularly during the early mornings.

Inland areas, especially the low deserts, are forecast to see temperatures soar to 115°F, with major to extreme HeatRisk across valleys and mountain regions. Coastal residents, while escaping the worst of the heat, will face dense fog and potential travel hazards due to low visibility during the overnight and early morning hours.

HeatWave Brings Record Highs and Elevated Risks for Vulnerable Populations

From Tuesday through Thursday, residents in San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego County Valleys will experience heat advisory conditions, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees above normal. This prolonged heat event raises health concerns, especially as nighttime temperatures will offer little relief, staying well above seasonal averages. HeatRisk is particularly high for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those without air conditioning.

Some mountain areas below 6,000 feet, such as the San Bernardino Mountains, are also set to break temperature records for the hottest overnight lows. With temperatures expected to peak on Wednesday, cooling centers and emergency services are advising residents to take precautions, stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, and stay hydrated.

Dense Fog Along Coastal Areas Increases Travel Hazards

In contrast to the inland heat, coastal regions are experiencing dense fog during the night and morning hours, creating visibility hazards for drivers and mariners. Areas like San Diego and Orange County are expected to see visibility reduced to less than 1/4 mile in some areas by early Tuesday morning, with similar conditions persisting into Wednesday.

The National Weather Service has issued a Marine Weather Statement warning boaters of dense fog that could affect visibility out to 60 nautical miles offshore. Those traveling in these conditions are urged to exercise caution and be aware of sudden drops in visibility.

Fire Concerns Linger Amid Record Heat in the Deserts

Adding to the weather threats, the ongoing Line Fire in the San Bernardino Mountains is expected to produce areas of smoke and haze through Tuesday, which could worsen air quality and visibility for nearby regions. While winds are not forecast to be strong enough to elevate the fire danger, residents in fire-prone areas are advised to remain alert and cautious.

Prolonged Heat Continues Through the Week with Little Relief in Sight

The heat is forecast to gradually ease by Friday, but temperatures will remain above normal for the rest of the week. Inland and desert areas will see only a slight drop in temperature, while coastal regions may continue to face dense fog in the mornings. Forecasters are closely monitoring high-pressure systems that could potentially extend the heat wave into the weekend, making this one of the hottest periods of the year for Southern California.

Hazardous Weather Changes Fast – Stay Updated

Weather Watches, Warnings, and Advisories are frequently updated by NWS. Please look for updates to this report from the National Weather Service, or your local news channels and NOAA All Hazards radio. For more local weather and news updates, please follow ThumbWind Publications. Your helpful comments are welcome.