Southern California is facing record-high temperatures, and excessive heat warnings will stay in effect through the weekend until Monday night at 8 p.m.
“The heat is a big issue with the excessive heat warnings and heat advisories that are going to continue as we make our way into both Sunday as well as Monday afternoon before we get a little bit of relief finally coming into Southern California by Tuesday,” reports KTLA meteorologist Kaj Goldberg.
A record-breaking temperature of 112 degrees in downtown Los Angeles was recorded on Friday as temperatures peaked, breaking the area’s previous record of 111 degrees in 2020, according to the National Weather Service.
The following temperatures across the Southland also broke previous records:
- 101 degrees in Long Beach (previously 100 set in 1977)
- 102 degrees at LAX (previously 99 set in 2020)
- 111 degrees in Woodland Hills (previously109 set in 1955)
- 95 degrees in Camarillo (previously 94 in 2011)
The following temperatures tied past records:
- 114 degrees at Burbank Airport
- 105 degrees at UCLA
- 99 degrees in Oxnard
For the rest of the weekend, NWS warned Southern California residents and visitors of these extreme heat conditions:
- Mountain and L.A. city regions will see dangerously hot conditions with temperatures up to 105 degrees
- Beaches and coastal regions could get up to 96 degrees
- In the San Fernando Valley, temperatures could reach up to 113 degrees
- Orange County could see temps in the mid-90s to 106 degrees
- The Inland Empire could see 102 to 110 degrees
With these hot conditions, officials say there is a high risk for dangerous heat illness, especially for children, the elderly, those without air conditioning, and those who are active outdoors.
Health and Safety Tips
To minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses, officials recommend these precautions:
- Stay cool: Spend time in air-conditioned buildings, avoid direct sunlight, and limit outdoor activities, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Residents without air conditioning should seek refuge in public cooling centers.
- Stay hydrated: Drink more water than usual, and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to hydrate. Avoid beverages with high sugar, caffeine, or alcohol content, as they can contribute to dehydration.
- Look out for others: Check on neighbors, friends, and family members, particularly those who are elderly or young or have pre-existing health conditions. Ensure pets have plenty of water and shade, and never leave them or children in parked cars.
For non-emergency information, residents can call 311, and in the event of a suspected heat stroke, they are urged to call 911 immediately. Symptoms of heat-related illnesses include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and, in severe cases, confusion or unconsciousness.
Cooling Centers
As temperatures rise, L.A. officials have urged residents to plan and prepare to avoid heat exhaustion. Cooling centers have been established throughout the region to provide relief for those without air conditioning.
The city has opened the following cooling centers which will now be extended through Monday, Sept. 9:
- Fred Roberts Recreation Center, 4700 Honduras St., Los Angeles, CA 90011
- Mid Valley Senior Center, 8801 Kester Ave., Panorama City, CA 91402
- Sunland Senior Center, 8640 Fenwick St., Sunland, CA 91040
- Jim Gilliam Recreation Center, 4000 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90008
- Lincoln Heights Senior Center, 2323 Workman St., Los Angeles, CA 90031
- Lafayette Recreation Center, 625 S. Lafayette Park Pl., Los Angeles, CA 90057
Ten L.A. city libraries will also be open on Sundays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Residents can find the nearest cooling center by calling 311, checking the Cool Spots LA app, or visiting the city’s emergency management website.