by Los Angeles, CA – Southern California is bracing for what forecasters are calling the “most significant heat wave of the summer”, with dangerously high temperatures and increased wildfire risk expected across the region this week.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), persistent high pressure will drive daytime highs near or above 100 degrees across inland areas beginning Wednesday and lasting through the weekend.
“We’re just going to have pretty persistent high pressure for this week and even into the weekend,” said Sam Zuber, a meteorologist with the NWS office in San Diego. “Last week was cool and this week is going to be hot.”
Extreme Heat Across Inland Empire
The Inland Empire will see some of the hottest temperatures in Southern California, with triple-digit highs expected from midweek into the weekend:
- Riverside: climbing from 93° on Monday to 101° Thursday and Friday
- San Bernardino: surging to 104° by Thursday and Friday
- Ontario: reaching 99° by Thursday
- Redlands: forecast to hit 103° Friday
- Palm Springs: expected to top out at a scorching 115°
- Lake Elsinore: reaching 105°
- Victorville: near 106°
- Hemet: 104°
- Joshua Tree: 102°
“These high temperatures, especially in the Inland Empire, will persist through at least Sunday,” Zuber added. “We may see a slight cooldown next week, but conditions will remain above average.”
Fire Weather Concerns
The heat wave will bring critically dry conditions, prompting the NWS to issue Fire Weather Watches for the mountains of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, as well as the Antelope Valley foothills and Santa Clarita Valley.
Low humidity, unstable weather, and extremely dry fuels increase the risk of large plume-dominated wildfires between Wednesday and Saturday.
Adding to the danger, forecasters said isolated thunderstorms are possible later in the week, and any lightning strikes could spark new fires.
Urban Heat Rising Too
While the worst heat will hit inland communities, coastal cities won’t be spared entirely. Temperatures will still climb well above seasonal averages:
- Los Angeles (Downtown): rising from 84° Monday to 90° by Thursday and Friday
- Anaheim: 83° Monday to 90° Friday
- Irvine: 78° Sunday to 88° Friday
- Long Beach: 81° Monday to 88° Friday
- Pasadena: climbing from 83° Sunday to 99° by Friday
- West Covina: hitting 99° by Friday
- Whittier: reaching 95° Thursday and Friday
- Torrance: milder but still warming from 78° Wednesday to 83° Friday
“These are well-above-normal temperatures that are going to be capable of causing heat stress,” said Ariel Cohen, an NWS meteorologist in Los Angeles. “Those susceptible to these conditions should start preparing now.”
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Safety Precautions During the Heat Wave
Officials are urging residents to take precautions, especially in areas forecast to see 110°+ temperatures:
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
- Limit outdoor activities to early morning or late evening.
- Never leave children, pets, or vulnerable adults inside vehicles.
- Use air conditioning or cooling centers when possible.
- Check on neighbors, seniors, and vulnerable individuals.
Heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke can set in quickly during extreme temperatures. Early symptoms include dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating, and fatigue.
Looking Ahead
The heat wave is expected to peak Thursday through Saturday, with forecasters warning that temperatures may remain dangerously high into early next week.
Wildfire crews across Southern California are on alert, as fire risk will remain elevated due to the combination of heat, dry vegetation, and potential thunderstorms.
How is this heat wave affecting your area? Have you taken steps to prepare for extreme temperatures? Share your thoughts in the comments at ibwhsmag.com.
