UPDATE: On Friday, forecasters said the heat wave would continue locally through Monday. An excessive heat warning for much of Ventura County was extended until 8 p.m. Monday.
On Friday, the National Weather Service office in northeast Oxnard tied its heat record for the day at 99 degrees, matching the high for the date set in 2020.
On Thursday, the Camarillo Airport station tied a high for the date, at 96 degrees, previously set in 2004.
ORIGINAL STORY:
A days-long heat wave is raising temperatures throughout Southern California this week, bringing some of the hottest conditions so far this summer.
Thursday and Friday are expected to be the warmest with temperatures 10 to 20 degrees above normal in Ventura County. A strong high pressure system and little to no ocean breeze could mean triple digits in some local areas, said Ryan Kittell, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Oxnard.
The agency has issued excessive heat warnings for much of the county and elsewhere in the region. Those start Wednesday and likely will last into Saturday, he said.
The warnings mean not only hot conditions but also a higher risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for those who are extra sensitive, he said. That includes the very young or old, those without air conditioning and anyone working outdoors from construction crews to football players.
The string of hot days comes on top of what has already been one of the county's warmest summers on record. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ranked the two-month period of June and July as the third warmest based on maximum temperatures.
How hot will it be in Ventura County?
Temperatures could reach as high as 109 in the Ojai area on Thursday and Friday, the weather service reported. Highs are expected to hit 100 in the Thousand Oaks area and 101 in Simi Valley.
Elsewhere in the county, the forecast calls for temperatures to reach the high 90s in Fillmore, high 80s in Oxnard and eastern Ventura, and the low 90s in Camarillo. Evening temperatures and overnight lows, especially in foothill areas, also will stay above normal, according to the forecast. Some higher elevation spots could see minimum temperatures in the mid-70s and low 80s.
A narrow strip along the Ventura coast is expected to stay cooler, but temperatures there could climb into the 80s late this week. Kittell called the beaches "the biggest flip of a coin" in the forecast. If a shallow marine layer sticks around, temperatures could stay slightly below 80 degrees.
Where are the local cooling centers?
Cooling centers are expected to be available in several local cities Thursday and Friday, including at public libraries and community centers.
In Simi Valley, the senior center will open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday at 3900 Avenida Simi. The Simi Valley Library will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at 2969 Tapo Canyon Road.
More information and a list of spots is available on vcemergency.com .
When will the heat wave end?
Conditions are expected to start to cool down on Saturday, but don't expect immediate relief.
The National Weather Service said weekend temperatures will stay well above normal despite a drop of one to three degrees. Most areas likely will see some additional cooling Monday and Tuesday.
"It seems like the trend and the projections are for it to continue to be warm, but not as hot as this week," Kittell said.
Tips for staying cool in the heat
Experts recommend people prepare for hot days and keep aware and respect the heat. Tips for cooling off include :
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Limit time outdoors and to pace yourself, particularly from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Wear loose, lightweight clothing in light colors.
- Don't leave any people or pets locked in vehicles.
- Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
For more hot weather tips, visit cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.html .
Cheri Carlson covers the environment and county government for the Ventura County Star. Reach her at cheri.carlson@vcstar.com or 805-437-0260.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Heat wave: Temperatures to soar up to 20 degrees above normal in Ventura County
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