Widespread heatstroke warnings and advisories will be in effect across Southern California on the Fourth of July, when fireworks will be set off and temperatures will soar.
Temperatures are expected to soar into the 90s and even 100s in some areas over the weekend, making for above-average temperatures. The July heatwave is expected to peak Friday and Saturday, with highs expected to reach around 110 degrees inland and around 100 degrees in the valleys.
The high temperature in Lancaster on July 4 is expected to be 111 degrees. In Valencia, where people will gather for fireworks displays and other outdoor events, temperatures are expected to reach 102 degrees.
“The risk of heatstroke will be high to very high,” NBCLA forecaster Belen de Leon said. “A vast area of high pressure over the Pacific Ocean is expanding to the West Coast. Temperatures will rise to 95 to 110 degrees in the valleys and inland, and even hotter in the desert.”
“This pattern is likely to remain solidified over the next few days.”
Southern California Forecast for July 4, 2024.
Monday until 6 p.m. along the I-5 and I-14 freeway corridors, west of
San Gabriel Mountains, Antelope Valley foothills, Antelope Valley. Temperatures in the Warning Area
It can reach a maximum of 115 degrees.
Extreme heat warnings will be in effect until Monday night for the Santa Clarita Valley, Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area, Calabasas, the San Fernando Valley and the eastern San Gabriel Mountains, where temperatures could reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
A mild heat advisory will be in effect for the San Gabriel Valley until 6 p.m. Sunday, but temperatures are still expected to reach 105 degrees. A heat advisory will be in effect from 11 a.m. Thursday to 6 p.m. Sunday for the coastal and downtown Los Angeles, where temperatures are expected to reach 85 to 95 degrees.
Highs in the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys will reach the 90s. Downtown Los Angeles will be in the 80s, but could reach 90 degrees on Friday and Saturday.
Inland, Orange County will also see temperatures in the 80s, with Anaheim Hills reaching the 90s by midweek. A heat watch will be in effect for the area from 11 a.m. Friday to 11 p.m. Saturday, with highs expected to reach 100 degrees.
Extreme heat warnings will also be issued for parts of San Bernardino and Riverside counties as temperatures reach the 100 degree range.
A coastal hazard warning was in effect from Thursday through Sunday, with waves reaching five to seven feet and strong rip currents possible.
Air quality is likely to deteriorate rapidly around Southern California after a night of fireworks, with an ozone warning in effect through Saturday.
Southern California wildfire threat
The region experienced a wet winter that left the hills covered in scrub, which combined with heat and low humidity increases the risk of wildfires. Statewide, wildfires have burned an estimated 139,590 acres so far this year, up from 7,800 acres last year. The five-year average statewide for that time period is 29,700 acres.
A fire weather watch will be in effect from late Thursday through Friday evening for areas along the Interstate 5 corridor north of Los Angeles and in the mountainous areas of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
Inland areas can expect southwest to northwest wind gusts each afternoon. Gusts of up to 35 to 45 mph are possible along the 5 Freeway in northern Los Angeles County, in the Antelope Valley, and in nearby foothills.
Los Angeles Cooling Center
The City and County of Los Angeles are operating cooling centers for people who need a place to escape the heat. The City of Los Angeles announced it will operate four expanded cooling centers that will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Monday.
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. Jim Gilliam Recreation Center, 4000 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles.
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