Temperatures are expected to soar into the 80s across much of Southern California this weekend, with some inland areas reaching triple digits.
The warmer trend will begin Friday ahead of a warm, early-summer weekend, with highs on Friday expected to rise 2-6 degrees, with triple-digit highs expected in the Antelope Valley.
Temperatures over the weekend are expected to be in the mid-80s Fahrenheit in the Los Angeles Basin and Orange County, and in the mid-70s along the coast. The high in Palm Springs on Saturday is expected to reach 112 degrees Fahrenheit.
“We’re expecting cloudiness to increase through Sunday,” NBC4 forecaster Belen de Leon said. “We might feel a little bit more moisture. That’s because we’re getting some tropical moisture moving in from the remnants of Tropical Storm Alberto, so there’s a slight chance of some storms developing in the mountains and maybe even in the desert.”
In Los Angeles County, a heat watch will be in effect for the Santa Clarita, San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys from 10 a.m. Saturday to 8 p.m. Sunday, with high temperatures likely to reach triple digits in some areas.
Areas in Southern California where heat warnings have been issued for the weekend of June 22, 2024.
Extreme heat watches began Saturday morning and will continue through Sunday evening for the San Gabriel Mountains, the foothills of the Antelope Valley and along the 14 Freeway north of Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles County Health Department issued a heat watch for the valley area for Saturday and Sunday.
“On hot days, it’s important for everyone to pay attention to their own health and check on others, especially those who are more likely to get sick from the heat: children, the elderly, people with health conditions, pregnant people, people living alone, and pets,” Los Angeles County Health Commissioner Dr. Muntu Davis said in a statement. “Hot weather can be dangerous for everyone, so it’s important to stay cool and hydrated. Don’t leave children, seniors or pets unattended in hot homes or areas or cars. Regularly check on elderly or unwell neighbors and relatives.”
Both the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County operate cooling centers; click here to find locations or call 211.
Temperatures are lower along the coast.
“It’s great weather for the beaches, but unfortunately the water quality at some of our beaches is not great,” de Leon said.
In northern Los Angeles County, firefighters continue to battle the Post Fire, which broke out over the weekend in the Gorman area near the Interstate 5 Freeway. Burning in hot, dry conditions, the blaze has grown to about 16,000 acres and is 61 percent contained.
Let’s take a look at the air quality in Southern California for the weekend of June 22, 2024.
Southern California weekend air quality
The South Coast Air Quality Management Agency has issued an ozone or smog advisory that will be in effect from 11am Friday until 7pm Tuesday.
The warning covers most of non-coastal Los Angeles County and much of Riverside County, and AQMD officials said the extreme heat was likely to cause hazards to health and poor air quality across much of the region.
The AQMD urged residents to monitor air quality, limit outdoor activities, restrict the use of gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment until the evening and conserve electricity.